Tonight, under the lights at Lowfield, Hoddesdon Town FC return home for the first time this pre-season in what promises to be a special and moving evening of football. The opposition? None other than our near neighbours Ware FC – a club with which we share both a friendly rivalry and a deep connection. Kick-off is at 7:45pm, and entry is on a 'pay what you want' basis, with all proceeds going to charity.

But this is more than just a warm-up game. This is a night of remembrance, of unity, and of honour.

A Night for Louis Rose
Tonight’s fixture holds a far greater significance than your usual pre-season runout. This match is dedicated to the memory of Louis Rose, a talented, passionate, and much-loved footballer who represented both Hoddesdon Town and Ware during his career. Louis’ recent passing has been felt deeply throughout the local football community, and this evening’s game serves as a tribute to his life, his legacy, and the friendships he made through the game.

Louis was a teammate, a friend, and a beacon of spirit and commitment. Whether in blue and white or white and black, he played with pride and heart, and left a lasting impression at both clubs. His impact goes beyond the pitch. He brought people together – and this evening, he does so again. Players who shared the pitch with him, fans who cheered him on, and friends aznd family who knew him off the field will all come together under the floodlights to remember, reflect, and celebrate a life lived with passion and purpose.

Football with Heart – Charity-Focused, Community-Driven
Tonight’s 'pay what you want' gate is a chance for everyone to give what they can in support of the One Life chairty. In Louis’ spirit of community and generosity, 100% of tonight’s proceeds will go to the cause. Whether you can give a little or a lot, every contribution makes a difference.

It’s football doing what it does best – uniting people, raising spirits, and giving back.

Our Thanks to Hoddesdon Cricket Club
Hosting summer football at Lowfield presents its own challenges – and tonight simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our friends at Hoddesdon Cricket Club. With the cricket season in full swing, they’ve kindly made space in their calendar to allow us to play not only this evening, but also again on Monday 22nd July.

We are incredibly grateful for their flexibility, their friendship, and their unwavering support for the town’s football club. Nights like this are made possible by collaboration, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at the cricket club for helping to make this fixture happen.

The Stage is Set – Lowfield Ready for Action
Behind the scenes, Head Groundsman Adrian Lee has been putting in the hard yards to get Lowfield looking its best. The dry summer conditions have made pitch preparation no easy task, but Adrian’s dedication and professionalism have paid off – and the playing surface is in immaculate condition for its first footballing test of the summer. We also have to thank Neil Morris, Neil's brother in law, Mick Clarke and a host of other volunteers for their efforts.

It’s a stage worthy of the occasion, and we’re proud to call it home.

What to Expect on the Pitch
While tonight’s focus is firmly on remembrance and charity, there’s also a game to be played – and it’s sure to be a competitive one. Hoddesdon will be eager to impress on home turf after opening their pre-season schedule away from Lowfield, while Ware will bring quality, organisation, and sharpness to the fixture. There’s always a buzz when these two sides meet – and with players on both sides who knew and played with Louis, there will be an extra layer of emotion driving the performance.

Expect a well-contested match, played in the right spirit and with plenty of moments to savour. New faces, familiar names, and pre-season minutes for everyone – all in front of a proud home crowd.

Join Us at Lowfield
We encourage everyone – fans, friends, families, and members of the local community – to come down to Lowfield this evening. Whether you knew Louis personally or simply want to support a good cause and enjoy a summer evening of football, this is a night not to be missed.

Let’s come together, honour a remarkable young man, and show once again what makes Hoddesdon Town FC and Ware FC such special clubs.

We’ll see you there.