Improvements in coaching standards, success on the pitch and more inclusive football pathways are among the headlines from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Haddenham Youth Football Club (HYFC) held last week.
More HYFC coaches have undertaken higher level UEFA C coaching ‘badges’ whilst the Club has staged special sessions with highly qualified coaches to support its squad of 70 volunteers. Players in age groups U7 to U11 are currently enjoying extra training at The Player Forge in Kingsey.
Success on the pitch from this and past years will be celebrated when HYFC marks 30 Seasons of Football with its Club Anniversary Dinner on Saturday 9th May 2026 at Haddenham Village Hall. Tickets are now on sale for £30: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hyfc-30-seasons-of-football-tickets-1983671952208
Chiltern Comets, the PAN-Disability football team led by HYFC’s Nick Cuthbert in partnership with Risborough Rangers and Wendover Juniors, has grown by over 50% in the last year. The group now has over 45 players with a team playing in the BOBI league.
HYFC is supporting The JR Sports Group with Haddenham Wildcats Girls' Football. A new pathway for girls aged 4-8 to start football whilst having fun and making friends, Wildcats is an FA backed, non-competitive programme for girls who want to try football for the first time or play with other players their own age.
The HYFC Community Fund ensures local boys and girls whose families are struggling financially do not miss out on football. This year it is generously sponsored by Haddenham Park Care Home & Apartments and supported by the Haddenham Village Fete.
Three new committee members were elected at the AGM: Paul Corrie, Sam Edmonds and Charlotte Lewis-Miles join with Alex Giles and Ali Holmes stepping down after making hugely significant contributions over the last three years.
The Club remains in a healthy position, breaking even in 2024/25 after significant investment in playing kit and additional coaching.
Sponsorship and grant income, Festival of Football surpluses and match day catering this season are empowering the Club to invest in more playing kit and equipment, coaching development, pitch hire and special experiences for players.
Alex Wagstaff was re-elected as Club Chairman for a fourth year. He commented:
“I want to thank our 400 plus players, their parents and carers, over 70 volunteer coaches, team administrators and committee members as well as generous sponsors and funders for making it another successful year for HYFC.
“We’re aiming to make more progress on our plans to improve the current pitches and develop access to new all-weather facilities in partnership with Haddenham Parish Council, Buckinghamshire Council, Berks and Bucks FA and the Football Foundation. With the housing growth planned in Haddenham, it’s imperative this community has access to modern training facilities for its growing number of young players. Let’s keep the kids active!”
Alex added:
“Before then, I’m looking forward to celebrating 30 Seasons of Football with players, coaches and parents past and present. Please join us on Saturday 9 May 2026 at Haddenham Village Hall for an evening packed with fun, food, music and memories.”
HYFC was founded thirty years ago and features 20 sides – covering mixed, boys, girls, walking and veterans’ football – with over 400 registered players. It also runs the Chiltern Comets PAN-Disability team in partnership with fellow local clubs. HYFC is an inclusive and
family-friendly club, affiliated to the FA, and run entirely by volunteers.
The image features players in the year 2000 – can you recognise anyone?.
If you are interested in playing, coaching or supporting HYFC, please say hello@hyfc.club . You can find more information about the Club online: hyfc.club.
