PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
We have started planning our pre-season programme for next season. As always manager Mark Burke will aim to have a range of opponents who will range from EFL clubs to teams who operate at a lower level to Hitchin.

It is not an easy process to arrange the friendlies. To play a higher grade opponent, especially from the EFL is never easy to arrange. They hold all the trump cards and you have to accept what date they may offer as you want to play them more than they need to play you. Financially a game against an EFL team can be critical to early season cash flow and can set you up for the season ahead.

When arranging games against lower league teams the boot is on the other foot and we then hold the power and are more able to dictate the dates games will be played.

As well as a range of different teams to play we like to have a balance between home and away games. Home games bring in finances but you do not want to overuse Top Field before the season proper starts.

We will keep you updated as friendlies are confirmed.

MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE
We had another good turn-out at Thursday’s training session. We had a round robin tournament with three teams of seven together with a shooting competition. Our new joint head coaches Josh Bickerstaff and Michael Jones were fully involved in the session which proved to be very enjoyable for the players.

HITCHIN TOWN LADIES UPDATE BY KARLA CHAFFEY
We are back!

Finally the sunshine is breaking through those lockdown clouds and shining the light on the exit path from lockdown. We entered Tier 4 in December 2020 and then the National Lockdown followed and all football was postponed. We along with everyone else were frustrated that we just did not know when we would be allowed to return. It has seen our emergency services & NHS stretched to their limits, mental health teams overrun and charities seeing a rise in demand of their services– we thank you. Along with these key services there are many in the background still working on the front line and supporting those on the front line and again we thank you. There are so many individuals and businesses out there that do not get a thank you for all they are doing to support their local communities and we want to say thank you.

Our season in the Beds and Herts Women’s Football League was null and voided. However we are grateful that the league have split up four divisions into eight mini leagues to see the rest of the 2020/2021 season through before we start making preparations for the 2021/2022 season. Our training resumed on Wednesday 31st March 2021 and our ladies cannot wait to play fixtures from the 11th April 2021.

On Sunday 11th April 2021 our first two fixtures within Group E :
14:00 – Herts Vipers Development v Hitchin Town Ladies FC Firsts
14:00 – Hitchin Belles FC v Hitchin Town Ladies FC Reserves

There is one thing that we ask of you and that has come from The FA and that is no spectators are allowed. I understand our games are played within a recreational facility however FA Guidance states we are not allowed spectators. If you are stood watching our matches, one of our management team may unfortunately have to ask you to move along. It was with much regret if we ask anyone to move along however it is a rule we must follow. I know there will be some dispute surrounding this but please do not take it out on our volunteers who give endless of hours each season creating a safe and enjoyable environment for our players.

To keep up to date with live scores, results and news please follow us on:
Twitter : @HitchinTownLFC
Instagram : @hitchintownladiesfc
Facebook : www.facebook.com/HTLFC

Coronavirus remains a highly infectious and dangerous disease and we are asking everyone to still play their part in helping stop the spread of the virus. We want football to continue so the above rules are crucial both for safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in the game and ensuring the continuation of football.

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES

This week the coaches and players have continued to support the Hitchin Town Community football camps which were run Tuesday to Thursday at the Arena. We are scheduled to return to training on Monday after the Easter break.

We were also lucky enough to have some players selected for the PD11 team for their game against MK Dons Academy. This is a team formed of the very best players from all the Pro:Direct sites in the country. One of the players selected from our academy was Kye Tearle who also captained the team.

SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT UPDATE BY SASCHA GUSTARD-BROWN
It has been a quieter week this week as planning for further supporter engagement initiatives takes place behind the scenes. I am, however, currently working on another exciting idea which will involve support from several football clubs across all levels of the football pyramid; it should prove to be a fantastic addition to Top Field once implemented. Further details will be announced once I am a little bit further into its development.

Aside from research and planning, I would just like to remind everyone that we now have a number of activities for Junior Canaries, their families and our local community, which we hope everybody will enjoy taking part in. All details of the available online activities and the Canary Rock Garden can be found on the club website, including the Junior Canaries webpage.

As ever, should you have any ideas, questions or feedback regarding supporter engagement at Hitchin Town Football Club, please do not hesitate to email media@hitchintownfc.club. Please subject the email as Supporter Engagement and I will read and respond at the earliest opportunity.

COVID TESTING AT TOP FIELD
We have received the following message regarding Covid testing at Top Field:

”I’m part of the marketing team for NTL Biologica who are working on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council to provide Roaming Covid-19 Testing Units across the county. We’ve noticed a significant drop in people coming to get tested, and so we’re running a campaign to try and increase awareness of the testing and the importance of still getting tested.

We really appreciate you hosting our testing sites at your club over the last few months, and I’m hoping you might be able to help us spread the word about our testing as restrictions lift. One of our Roaming Test Units will be with you this Sunday the 10th of April and we will also be back with you on Monday 19th of April. If possible would you be able to notify your members of this and let them know that they can now make appointments for a free rapid Covid test in a hopefully convenient location for them? Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated.

Appointments can be made at https://eservices.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/hidden/lft-book-slot. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Many thanks in advance.

BY ROY IZZARD