The spirit of community, pride, and achievement was in full flow on Saturday 21st June 2025, as Hoddesdon Town Youth Football Club came together for its eagerly anticipated end-of-season Presentation Day. Hosted in the grand surrounds of The Spotlight Theatre in the heart of Hoddesdon, this year's event was a jubilant celebration of a record-breaking 2024-25 season for the club, its players, coaches, volunteers, and families.

With over 350 young footballers across 26 teams from development through to under-18s, the event shone a light on the outstanding efforts of everyone involved in the club’s journey over the past year.

Chairman Victoria Capone and Club Secretary Peter Alligan led the day’s proceedings with grace, warmth, and genuine passion. Flanked by a committed team of volunteers including Alfie and Samantha Myers, they ensured every detail of the day ran smoothly — a true testament to the behind-the-scenes work that has helped build Hoddesdon Town Youth FC into one of the most vibrant grassroots clubs in the county.

Senior club chairman Stuart Varney, representing Hoddesdon Town FC, opened the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, praising the club’s achievements and community ethos. “This club is about more than football,” he said. “It’s about friendship, personal growth, and creating memories. What we’ve seen this season is a shining example of what grassroots football can do for young people.”

Also in attendance were Senior Club Vice Chairman Roger Merton and his wife, Jenny, and they were warm in their praise for such a brilliant season and a successful end of season event. There was even a visit from former Youth section Secretary, Neil Harrison, and it was great to see him enjoy the continued fruits of his own hard labour, watching the likes of Victoria and Pete take his project from strength to strength.

Club photographer Danny Smith was on hand capturing every smile, cheer and proud moment with his typically brilliant lenswork. You can view all the images taken on the day by clicking HERE.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere was kept lively and engaging thanks to the musical and visual contributions of Jon Dean, the Senior Club Digital Media Chairman, who provided sound and graphics that brought the theatre to life.

The awards ceremonies for each age group were the heart of the day, with every single player receiving recognition for their efforts across the season. For each team, accolades such as Most Improved Player, Players’ Player of the Year, and Manager’s Player of the Year were presented, with proud parents and guardians applauding from their seats as their children took to the stage.

Two very special awards capped off the official proceedings. Samantha Myers was named Clubman of the Year for her tireless and often unseen work managing the club’s administration and operations. Her dedication behind the scenes was rightly applauded by all in attendance. Meanwhile, Manager of the Year was awarded to Paul Hunt, coach of the Under-18s, for his leadership and commitment throughout a successful and inspiring season for his team.

As if the day wasn’t already packed with excitement, a massive club raffle saw dozens of superb prizes generously donated and won — all while raising vital funds to support the club’s future. Raffle winners from across the age groups took home everything from meal vouchers and spa treatments to football experiences and event tickets.

Among the standout prizes were:

U7s: Maria from the U7 Blacks took home a £25 Mantos meal voucher, while Christine Smith scooped up a bundle of champagne and drinks.

U8s: Suzie Hoole claimed two Arsenal Platinum Club Level tickets, and Ediz won a £50 Tesco voucher.

U9s: Sonia Biles and Phil Audoire both won Saffron restaurant vouchers, and Ricky Wood took home a Pro Sports Merch gift set.

U10s to U14s: Vouchers for dance classes, beauty treatments, karting sessions, and multi-activity camps were won across the board — highlighting the incredible variety of support from local businesses.

U17s & U18s: Paul Hunt won Hertfordshire Zoo tickets, while George Joannou secured a driving lesson voucher — a fitting prize as many of the older youth players prepare for adult life.

Senior club chairman Stuart Varney himself was among the lucky winners, walking away with an Artysans voucher. The club’s coaches are now in the process of contacting all raffle winners to arrange the collection of prizes.

The Spotlight Theatre, who once again proved themselves to be the perfect venue, received glowing praise for their hospitality and support. From their welcoming staff to the technical set-up that made the event run seamlessly, the venue was a huge part of the event’s success.

As the final round of applause faded and the presentation concluded around 5pm, the celebration didn’t end there. Many families and volunteers headed to Lowfield, where the senior Hoddesdon Town FC clubhouse was alive with the sound of leather on willow as Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s Saturday side took to the field.

With the bar open and the sun shining, members from both the football and cricket sections of the club mingled and relaxed together — a heart-warming show of how the Lowfield facility brings the wider community together. The smiles, laughter and camaraderie shared into the evening, reinforced just how important these grassroots institutions are to the social fabric of Hoddesdon.

Reflecting on the day, Chairman Victoria Capone said:

“Today was about so much more than trophies. It was about recognising the amazing spirit of this club — the players, the parents, the coaches, the volunteers, everyone who gives their time and energy to make HTYFC what it is. I couldn’t be prouder.”

With another season of growth, joy, and development now officially signed off in style, the club’s sights are firmly set on the 2025-26 campaign — one that promises to build further on these foundations of excellence, community and passion.

Congratulations to all award winners, volunteers and families. Hoddesdon Town Youth Football Club has once again shown why it’s not just about football — it’s about family.

#COYL