Hollington United
our youth players so that they gain
valuable experience in the footballing
world. We would also be seeking to stay
in the running for winning the title!
FF: How important is youth football at
the club?
SP: Massive! The youth team players
are the future of not only the club but
the future of football! Without youth
team players we would not be where
we are now and the club would have
gone stagnant. We seem to be picking up
results all through the youth system most
weeks which as a first team manager,
the prospect of the results means there
are talented young youth players now
coming through the system.
FF: How do you ensure that youth
players enjoy a smooth transition into
the senior game?
SP: In my opinion it comes down
to trust. They trust me to help them
develop and play them in position and
I trust them to do the deeds on and
off the pitch. Our senior players are
role models to them and they step up
without hesitation by encouraging them,
advising them on attitudes on and off
the pitch and the management team hold
weekly progress talks with the youth
team players.
FF: Would you consider yours to be a
community club?
SP: 110%. Hollington United is the
most community based football club in
Hastings and surrounding areas. All of
our staff from Managers to Kitchen Staff
are all volunteers. There is no element
of ‘payment’ with Hollington United,
everybody is part of the footballing
family because they can see the
difference this ‘Community Volunteered
Based Football Club’ could make to the
town and the future. We work closely
with charities like Dom’s Food Mission,
Chestnut Tree House, Surviving
Christmas etc. to ensure we are giving
something back to the community!
Another good thing about the club is
every one of our senior players has come
from Hollington or Hastings! Great stats!
FF: What are the club’s ambitions for
the next five years?
SP: Our ambitions for the next five
years are to develop and construct a
new facility on our own ground suitable
for both community use and all year-
round sports use. Amongst these plans
we would be looking to also create
workshops and sporting experiences for
local children to take a path into sport
rather than any other negative pathways.
Our long term aim is to give Hollington
Community a reputable name and aid
the kids of today to get into sport with
a nice facility rather than taking a wrong
route in life!
£10m Public Liability
Free Quotations
Design Service
Temporary Roofs
Alarm Systems
Debris Chutes
“I used to play for the club as I lived just around the corner. I get along to watch them when I can now;
I used to play with Scott, the Manager who was a great player and now his experience is showing. I
would like to wish Hollington United all the best! Keep doing what you do - I’ll be down to watch soon.”
Matt, Dynamic Scaffolding
www.footballfocusmag.com
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