WEEKLY BULLETIN – 5TH MARCH

ANOTHER BOOST FROM THE COW COMMONERS
We are delighted to announce that the Trustees of the Cow Commoners Trust have notified the club that they are going to offer a fifth consecutive rent free quarter. This is another major boost for the club at a time when our income streams have dried up. The full story is available to read here.

NEW KIT DEAL WITH HUMMEL
In the first deal of its kind in the history of the Club, Hitchin Town Football Club is delighted to announce a new three-year kit partnership with Danish kit manufacturer Hummel, taking effect from the 2021-22 season.

Within the deal, Hummel will provide all teamwear from the first-team and ladies team to all 20+ Hitchin Town Youth FC teams, retaining the traditional yellow and green colours, via Stevenage-based retailer KC Sports Teamwear.

The full story can be read here.

DEADLINE FOR AWAY SHIRT
We have previously announced that in order to commemorate 150 years since the original Hitchin FC kicked off the first ever FA Cup, we will be releasing a special away shirt for the 2021/22 season and you have the chance to have your name incorporated within the design of the shirt.

Limited to only 150, the bespoke shirt is currently being professionally designed by Hummel, utilising our original magenta and black colours. Each shirt will be individually numbered and presented to you in a special presentation box.

This shirt will be delivered to you in July / August 2021. With only 24 left for sale now, be sure not to miss out on this truly unique opportunity.

Next Tuesday 9th March at 9pm is the closing date to order your shirt which will be produced by hummel. You can purchase yours by clicking here.

MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE
Mark has notified the players that there will be a training session on 29th March and that more sessions will follow as a build up to the possibility of playing some friendlies in April and May. Mark feels the players will be desperate to return to training after the lockdown restrictions saw all training cancelled as well as games.

t the moment it is too early to give any details about friendlies taking place but if anything is arranged supporters will be notified in good time.

SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT UPDATE BY SASCHA GUSTARD-BROWN
Last weekend saw our first piece of content published for our junior supporters – a creative kit design competition that we are excited to see come to life. There is plenty of time to get involved, with the closing date not until Friday 19th March. With the opportunity for designs to be featured on the website and around the ground, we think this is a great way for our younger supporters to be a part of the club. There is plenty more content in the pipeline too, and we cannot wait to see the new Junior Supporters section of the website full of resources, information and activities in due course.

I have also been working with Kate Deller on the planning and implementation of a number of practical initiatives and again, there are some great ideas currently being developed. It will be a great occasion when everything comes together and I am really pleased to be working with such a fantastic group of people at a warm and welcoming club.

Lastly, I am meeting with Adam Nethersole this week to discuss a potential collaboration between Hitchin Town FC and Football for Fathers – an incredible local group with 450+ members. Adam will be a familiar face to many HTFC supporters as he also sits on the committee at Hitchin Town Youth FC, as well as running an U9’s team. I am confident we can partner on some wonderful initiatives and I look forward to bringing you further information soon.

Overall, I am hopeful that Top Field will be buzzing with activities and entertainment both on and off the pitch when next season begins!

*Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with ideas and feedback on supporter engagement at media@hitchintownfc.club

RAPID TESTING AT TOP FIELD BY MICK DOCKING
Last Sunday we once again welcomed the Rapid Testing team to Top Field where a steady stream of health workers and other key employees filed in for their free Covid Test.

Testing is restricted to individuals showing no signs of Covid symptoms and operates on an appointment basis only. The Testing Team, including the medically qualified individuals who actually carried out the test, were friendly and efficient with the whole operation organised seamlessly. Never overcrowded, it seemed to me that there was plenty of spare capacity – so if you are eligible I would definitely recommend a visit – 2 minutes online to book and there you go!

Next week we alter our dates and are switching to Thursday 11th March, then Monday 29th March.

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
We are holding an open training session for players currently in school years 11, 12 & 13 on Friday 9th April.

The training session will be held at The Arena, Baldock, SG7 5AU.

If you are interested in attending this training session then please use this link.

We are also holding a FREE tournament on Saturday 17th April for players in school years 11, 12 & 13, you can enter this tournament with your grassroots team or enter a team of friends – for further information please email hitchin@prodirectacademy.com.

BY ROY IZZARD