* U16s and U18s crowned league champions
* Cup finals await U11 Rangers and U17s
* Girls' football continues to grow
Haddenham Youth Football Club (HYFC) staged its annual Club Presentation Day on Saturday 27th April, in the week its U16 and U18 teams won their respective leagues. Many of the U18s title-winning team have played for HYFC all the way from U6s!
HYFC is home to 400 players across twenty-two playing teams. It calls on an army of eighty registered coaches plus team administrators and a host of other volunteers.
This year has seen the continued development of Girls' football. A fifth girls' only team will launch next season and the Club has heralded the Haddenham Beer Festivals Trust for backing its plans to grow Girls' football as well as the HYFC Community Fund.
Other highlights include Haddenham Ladies – part of HYFC – playing their first FA Cup match. The U17s and U11 Rangers are looking forward to Cup Finals at Thame's stadium. The U12 Rangers and U12 Girls could still win their respective leagues.
The Club is launching plans for a Players' Committee to start next season with representatives from every age group.
Alex Wagstaff, Club Chairman, said:
"Four themes emerge from the review of our twenty-two teams: genuine team spirit; friendships forming and lasting; a culture of both learning and fun; and the nurturing of an enduring love for the beautiful game. Oh – not forgetting great performances and lots of goals!
"Well done to our U16 and U18 teams on becoming league champions. Good luck to all our players in their remaining league fixtures as well as cups and summer tournaments."
Alex added:
"Thanks to all our team sponsors which have generously invested in the development of youth football in Haddenham."
After revealing a refreshed brand identity twelve months ago, a new website and Club app have been rolled out along with new kits for most teams and a range of Club merchandise and teamwear.
The Club achieved 2* Accreditation with the FA – essential for playing league, cup and tournament football – made possible by increased investment in safeguarding and coaching development. The matchday experience has improved with the Match Hatch at the Airfield along with the Whistler at Woodways. The Club is working closely with Haddenham Parish Council and the Football Foundation to improve the pitches.
HYFC is expanding its range of partnerships, including GK Icon for goalkeeper training and Fitlife for strength and conditioning. The Club is now formally affiliated to Haddenham United FC, providing a pathway from U6s to adult football.
Following last year's success, the HYFC Festival of Football returns to the Airfield on the weekend of 31 August-1 September 2024.
The full Season Review can be found at hyfc.club.
HYFC team sponsors are Lucy Electric; Intelli-Park; Schwartz; TW Jones Property; BWK Solicitors; A2Z Roofing; Florence Nightingale and Simon Payne Rural Services.
If you are interested in playing, coaching or supporting the Club, say hello@hyfc.club.
