With additional coaches 'on board' the task of recruiting children to join the Club went into full swing. 

By the start of the 2007/08 season the Club had a total of 150 players and non playing members who had joined to support the Club.

The season began with varying degrees of success in terms of results, however most importantly the kids, coaches and parents all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

It was great to see the Under 14's fantastic Cup run that saw them unfortunately lose on penalties in the semi final and notably the Under 11's winning their league.  But more important than this, all the kids having fun and improving as individuals.

In January, the Club was awarded Charter Standard status by the FA; a quite remarkable feat given it was only in its second season.

The Club continued to invest in its coach's development throughout the season and there are now over 20 qualified coaches at the Club, the vast majority of which were paid for through Club funds.

In April, the Club celebrated the end of the season by staging a fun day followed by Player Presentations.  The focal point of the days events was the excellent Mike Delaney, who thrilled the kids (and many of the mums) with his skills.  It is estimated that over 300 people attended the day's event, which of course ended with the players receiving recognition for all their efforts throughout the season.

Last season was not without its difficulties however, the rapid growth of the Club brought many challenges and the workload reached levels that we had not anticipated.  matters were not helped by the negative attitude and often obstructive approach adopted by Hawkinge Parish Council.

However, despite the barriers being put in the Clubs way, we are stronger than ever and aiming to expand into the 2008/09 season by adding another five teams and working closely in partnership with both of the villages Primary Schools who have been extremely positive toward us.  At the last count, the total membership of the Club had risen to 330, made up of playing and non playing members.

I would like to thank everyone connected with the Club for their hard work and support and look forward to the coming season being as enjoyable and successful as the previous two.

Rob Lawford, Chairman - Hawkinge Youth FC

Hawkinge Youth Football Club was formed in May 2006 following regular ‘kick-abouts’ involving a small number of children and three enthusiastic fathers meeting on the Parish Council grounds in the village, on a Saturday morning.

As the weeks went by, the numbers of children attending started to grow and what had started as a kick around among a few friends developed into more structured training sessions.

Two teams were formed; an Under 10’s and an Under 8’s, which were entered into the Parker Steel East Kent Youth League for the 2006/’07 season. By the end of August ’06, 5 volunteers (two of which possessed Level 1 FA Coaching Qualifications) were regularly co-ordinating age specific training sessions, which had extended to not only a Saturday morning but also a Tuesday evening.

The Club constitution was officially formed at the first meeting prior to the start of the 2006/’07 season. Volunteers were appointed to key positions following an analysis of the skills set of those making themselves available and their return of a Football Association Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) enhanced disclosure certificate. The season started with the following positions within the Club: 

·        Chairman

·        Secretary

·        Treasurer

·        Team Managers (under 8’s & 10’s)

·        Child Protection Officer

The season started successfully, with teams from each age group playing in the extremely competitive and well established Parker Steel East Kent Youth League, opponents ranging from small village teams to semi professional clubs.

The ethos of providing opportunities to play competitive football (in most cases for the first time) to all regardless of ability, worked well throughout the season, to the credit of all who were involved in picking teams and ‘rotating’ players in the respective squads.

The Under 10 squad performed exceptionally, coming runners up in their league, suffering only one defeat.

The Under 8 squad found matters a little harder, (being entered into Division 2 of 4) but managed to avoid finishing bottom of their league.

However, regardless of results, it was clear to see all the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and this has been reflected in their continued attendance at our twice weekly training sessions. 

The numbers of children attending training over the summer has steadily risen, to the point where we have decided to enter 6 teams into competitive leagues for the coming season (Under 8,9,10,11 & two teams of Under 14’s). We also hope to be able to arrange some friendly games for children in the Under 7’s age range.

It is clear to see that the rapid development of Hawkinge as a village has been reflected in the growth of Hawkinge Youth Football Club. However, while we are blessed with a full 7 acres of land on which to play, changing facilities are inadequate.

This coming year we aim to complete and submit our Club Development Plan to the Football Foundation, with the expectation that we will be awarded a substantial grant toward the building of facilities that we can all be proud, and will be a focal point for the football enthusiasts of our village for many years to come.

It is important to stress that we would not have achieved any of our successes without the volunteers we currently have in place. Equally, it is vital for the future growth and sustainability of the Club that we add further volunteers to key roles, be it an administration function, a manager or coach.

We therefore would love to hear from anyone who would be willing to spare a few hours a week to help out. 

We look forward to your support in the coming season. 

Rob Lawford

Chairman, Hawkinge Youth FC