Hoddesdon Town Football Club are proud to announce a very special event taking place at Lowfield next weekend — a Charity Football Match in support of Hearts for Herts, the incredible local organisation who stepped in at our time of need and quite literally helped restore life-saving equipment to our club and community.

Following the overwhelming response to our appeal last year — and the extraordinary generosity shown by Hearts for Herts in donating a brand new defibrillator and bleed control kit — we wanted to find a way to give something back. What better way than with a big, bold, community-driven football occasion at the home of Hoddesdon sport?

So, mark your calendars…

Sunday 12th April, 12:30pm — Lowfield (Stuart Edwards Stadium)
Team Animal vs Team JD — The Grudge Match

A MATCH WITH MEANING

Hearts for Herts have made a tangible difference to lives across Hertfordshire, championing the provision of life-saving equipment and delivering vital education so that more people feel confident stepping in during emergencies. Their motto — “Every heart matters” — is something we at Hoddesdon Town FC wholeheartedly stand behind.

After the events of last year, where the club was left without a defibrillator for over 200 days, the charity’s rapid response and generosity ensured that Lowfield is once again a safe environment for all who visit.

Now it’s our turn — and the community’s turn — to show our appreciation.

This charity match will raise funds to support Hearts for Herts in continuing their outstanding work across the region.

THE MAIN EVENT: TEAM ANIMAL VS TEAM JD

At the centre of the spectacle is a light-hearted but fiercely competitive showdown between two familiar faces at Lowfield.

On one side, we have Team Animal, managed by the ever-popular Adrian ‘Animal’ Lee — Hoddesdon Cricket Club 2nd XI captain, tireless groundsman, and a man who knows Lowfield better than anyone. Whether it’s preparing wickets, cutting grass, or putting in a shift with bat and ball, Adrian is synonymous with hard work and commitment.

On the other side stands Team JD, led by Jon Dean, Hoddesdon Town FC committee member and the driving force behind much of the club’s digital and media output. Known for his passion, energy, and love of a big occasion, Jon will be rallying his troops in what promises to be a memorable afternoon.

The twist? These two are great friends off the pitch. But for 90 minutes on April 12th, all bets are off.

This is being billed as a “Grudge Match” — tongue firmly in cheek — but don’t be fooled. Pride will be on the line, bragging rights are up for grabs, and neither man will want to come out second best.

A TRUE COMMUNITY OCCASION

Both teams will be made up of a mix of players, supporters, and familiar faces from both Hoddesdon Town FC and Hoddesdon Cricket Club. This is a celebration of everything that makes Lowfield special — a shared home for football and cricket, where friendships are formed, memories are made, and the community comes together year-round.

Expect a blend of ability, enthusiasm, and perhaps the odd questionable tackle as players from both codes swap boots and test their footballing skills. There may be some hidden talents on show… and possibly a few who should stick to their day jobs.

PAY WHAT YOU WANT — EVERY PENNY COUNTS

In keeping with the spirit of the event, entry on the day will be “Pay What You Want”, with all proceeds going towards Hearts for Herts. There will also be a charity collection taking place throughout the day, so whether you’re coming along for the full match or just popping in for a drink and to show your support, every contribution will make a difference.

This is an opportunity for the entire community to come together and support a cause that directly benefits people across Hertfordshire — and one that has already made a huge impact right here at Lowfield.

It’s not just about the football either. The clubhouse will be open, serving drinks throughout the afternoon, and the event has been carefully timed to coincide with a bumper day of live football on the big screens.

• Sunderland vs Spurs — 2:00pm
• Chelsea vs Manchester City — 4:30pm

So whether you’re there for the charity match, the Premier League action, or both, Lowfield is the place to be on April 12th. Bring your friends, bring your family, and make a day of it.

WHY HEARTS FOR HERTS MATTERS

For those who may not yet be familiar with the charity, Hearts for Herts are doing incredible work across the county. Their mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that more people have access to life-saving equipment and the knowledge to use it.

Through education programmes, training courses, and the provision of public access defibrillators and bleed control kits, they are helping to build safer, more prepared communities. Their impact is already being felt — and thanks to their intervention, Lowfield is now part of that story.

If you’d like to learn more about their work, visit their website by clicking HERE

This event is more than just a fundraiser — it’s a thank you. A thank you to Justin Honey-Jones and everyone at Hearts for Herts for stepping up when it mattered most. A thank you to the local community who rallied behind us, shared our story, and offered support when we needed it. And a thank you to everyone who continues to make Lowfield such a vibrant, welcoming place.

While the cause is serious, the tone of the day promises to be fun, lively, and full of character. Expect a few laughs, a few competitive moments, and maybe even a bit of sideline banter as Team Animal and Team JD go head-to-head.

Will Adrian Lee’s experience and no-nonsense approach prove too strong? Or will Jon Dean’s passion and flair inspire his side to victory? There’s only one way to find out.

So come down to Lowfield on Sunday 12th April and be part of something special.

• Support a brilliant local charity
• Enjoy a unique community football match
• Watch top-flight football on the big screens
• And help raise vital funds for life-saving equipment and education

Kick-off is at 12:30pm, and everyone is welcome.

Let’s pack Lowfield, raise as much money as possible, and show Hearts for Herts just how much their support has meant to us. Because at Hoddesdon Town Football Club — and across our community — we know that every heart matters.