AFC Hiltingbury....... a FA Charter Standard Club

AFC Hiltingbury is a community football club, founded in 1990 and based in the Chandlers Ford area of Hampshire. The club’s “goal” has always been to provide a framework in which the local children can develop their football skills, enjoy team sports and feel part of their local community.

Throughout the years, our club, AFC Hiltingbury, has become renowned for good sportsmanship, excellent team spirit and above all, a club that cares and provides the right ethos for the children to develop and improve their football skills. Although this will be my first year as Chairman of the club, I have already been hugely impressed with what has been achieved in the past and very much enthused about the plans we have for the club moving forward.

My involvement started with the club nearly two years ago with my son playing for the Under 8’s Reds. I was then approached to get involved with the running of the club at the end of last season. Certain people said I would be foolish to make such a commitment on my time; all I can say is that I am enjoying every minute of my involvement with the club and would advocate to others it is a great way to put something back into the local community, whilst still supporting your son or daughter in a way they will always appreciate in the future.

We will have 14 teams in the 2008/2009 season playing across three local youth leagues: The Eastleigh and District Mini Soccer League, the Southampton Tyro League and the Southampton Youth League. The age groups covered range from Under 8 to Under 18. Furthermore, we will have two Senior teams playing next season, building on the success of our first Senior team winning their league last season. We also have plans to try and start our first Girls team in the near future.

AFC Hiltingbury is a F.A. Charter Standard club. This ensures better coaching for all the teams, since, under F.A. Charter Standard, all teams must be coached by qualified coaches. We are continuing to build links with the local council and the Hiltingbury Community Association and our final goal from this partnership would see our “home” ground on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground when various improvements are completed.

The club is run by volunteers and requires a number of key people to devote significant time and effort to ensure the club runs as smoothly as it does. This year we need new volunteers to help across a range of activities to help fund and develop the club. In April 2004 we were delighted to announce that Sparks Ellison, the Chandlers Ford based independent estate agent, agreed to sponsor the entire club. This relationship continues to benefit the club and provides a mutually beneficial partnership in the Chandlers Ford community.

Please contact either me, Ian Oliver (Vice Chairman) or Ty Davies (Vice Chairman) if you wish to help the club in any way, we never turn away any offers of help.

AFC Hiltingbury has always been and will continue to be a community club run for the benefit of the players........

Ian Bonnon - Chairman .