WelCoMe
Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as we host AFC Fylde for match-day 42.
Your Club in the Community!
As we enter the tail end of the season, I am delighted to share several amazing days, experiences and initiatives from the club and some of its fantastic partners.
Seymours X WSBH X WFC Community Cup
Following on from the huge success of last year’s day, Seymours Estate Agents and a host of local businesses will once again be contesting their
Community Cup! John and Franco sum it up perfectly with this video – to learn more and get involved, please drop me an email on simon.jones@ wokingfc.co.uk
I’m A Director Get Me Out Of Here
On May 9th, The LCS will be hosting Crossroad Care Surrey’s Flag Ship IADFMOOH 25’ – and I’ll be an entrant! I’ve been a bit slow off the mark fundraising, so if anyone would like to get me going, my fundraising link is here, and I’ll be holding an auction in the lounge on the final day of the season to raise vital funds for this amazing charity. A recap of their 23/24 event can be found here.
End of Season Family Fun Day
Back again! Join us at the LCS for the 4th End of Season Family Fun Day – it would be fantastic to see as many of you, your family, friends and colleagues at the event – tickets are available on the main website. This is the clubs flagship community event of the year! I’ve re-attached our graphic that I hope you could all kindly circulate with your teams and on socials.
Takeover & Charitable Games
Across the last 3 games, we are delighted to welcome our match day medical provider St. Johns Ambulance, this Saturday who will be raising funds. We then welcome the Rotary Club, at Eastleigh, who will be raising awareness and funds for their wonderful local causes. Eastleigh also sees a “Meadow Sports Takeover” Sponsored kindly by Boz’s Fruit & Veg. Hundreds of
local players and parents will be present, with the Meadow Sports Girls team as mascots for the day.
And more..! The off-season will also see us hosting a raft of local grassroot football tournaments on the pitch, giving aspiring football players the opportunity to grace the LCS for an experience they’ll never forget.
Eastleigh & Aldershot games moved to earlier kick off
Our final two league game of the season has been moved to a 12:30 kick-off.
Kind regards,
Simon Jones Business Development Director
NeAl ARdLEy
2024/25 SeASoN TiCKETS
IN SAFe HANdS
As a reminder, it is our goal to ensure that all supporters feel safe and welcome at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. To that end, on 11 December 2021, the Club launched the “In Safe Hands” programme to help our fans report racist, sexist, homophobic, or other abusive language simply and anonymously.
If you hear any abusive language, experience it yourself or if you or someone you see feels / looks threatened, you can text the Club anonymously and the message will be monitored by our Safety Officer during the match. Simply text WFC (followed by the nature of your concern and location) to 66777 and we will address your concerns. Example: If you hear racial abuse whilst sitting in the KRE, please send the following text to 66777: “WFC racial abuse centre section of KRE.”
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.
We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.
Search Football Foundation to find out more.
AHe Ad oF THe GAMe
Woking are looking for back-to-back league wins for the first time under Neal Ardley to go an extra step towards securing their National League safety for next season.
The Cards face two sides staring down the barrel of relegation in Fylde and Maidenhead next week, with the Coasters sitting 23rd and very much entering last chance saloon to make up a seven point gap on 20th placed Boston United.
Ardley’s side was heavily rotated in midweek, but with a massive three points secured at Oldham, he will have a selection dilemma on his hands as the likes of Dan Moss and Frank Vincent return from their rests.
OPPOSITION WATCH
An impressive run of form at the back end of last season saw Fylde survive quite comfortably in their first season back at National League level, although they did finish below the Cards.
A tumultuous year has seen Chris Beech, Nathan Delfouneso, Chris Neal, Kevin Phillips and now David Longwell in the dugout as the Coasters have struggled for any sort of consistency. Appointed in October, Phillips was dismissed in February with Fylde in dire straits after just five wins in his 18 games culminating in a damaging home defeat to Boston.
A run of one win and six defeats in their last seven has essentially consigned Fylde to the drop unless they can put together at least four wins out of their last five, which includes trips to Rochdale
Woking vs AFC Fylde
Vanarama National League
Saturday 12th April 2025 15:00 Kick-Off
and Tamworth as well as hosting champions elect Barnet on the last day. The maximum they can get to is 54 points if they beat the Cards, if not then 51 or 52 points which may not be enough and their fate could well be mathematically sealed by Good Friday.
In and amongst all the chaos on the Fylde peninsula, Nick Haughton has done what he does so well and currently has 18 goals and nine assists, so he is of course one to watch as he hopes to take his side’s fight past Easter. Fylde’s last goal away from home came on the 1st of March at Gateshead, with their last away win an impressive 2-1 victory at Altrincham a week prior.
AROUND THE GROUND-
Ticket information is available here.
Please note, there is a private party in the bar from 18:30 on Saturday.
LAST TIME OUT
Lewis Walker cancelled out Nick Haughton’s opener back in September at Mill Farm to take a share of the spoils back to Surrey.
Last April, Woking ran out 3-0 winners over Fylde at the Laithwaite in a game they had to at least draw to secure National League safety, with two from Tunji Akinola supported by a Kevin Berkoe strike.
These sides have met six times before, with Woking winning five times and just the one draw at Mill Farm last September.
TICKET INFORMATION
ONLINE & ADVANCE SALES VS. [MATCHDAY SALES]
Adults – £21 [£24]
Concessions – £16 [£19]
Next-Gen (17-22) – £13 [£16]
Under 17 (14-16) – £9 [£12]
Under 14 (13 & under) – £5
Family ticket* - £47.50 [online exclusively]
*Family ticket discount will be applied when two (2) adult tickets & two (2) under 14 tickets are selected and added to the basket for any home league match.
ARRIVING AT THE STADIUM
Kingfield Road turnstiles – blue and yellow entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, unless otherwise stated.
Westfield Avenue turnstiles - red and orange entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, unless otherwise stated.
Away supporter turnstiles - white entry opens two hours before kick-off, unless stated otherwise.
Supporters who have purchased a hospitality package will have green entry and should enter through the Guest Entrance, Kingfield Road.
Supporters are reminded to arrive at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in good time, and are not guaranteed to gain entry in time for kick-off when arriving less than 30 minutes before kick-off.
FOOD & DRINK
The Cardinals Bar is located at the front of the stadium.
The bar has full draught and bottle beer options. The Fan Zone is the newest addition for supporters and is located opposite the Cardinals Bar.
Moaners Corner Café is located next Moaners Corners Stand, with hot and cold drinks, plus snacks available.
The Seymours Community Stand has hot food options and a last lane for beverages.
CLUB SHOP
The Club Shop is open two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, located by the Fan Zone.
The shop is also open Mon - Fri, 10:00 - 16:00, upon check-in at reception.
TICKETING INFORMATION
All Woking FC Season Ticket holders can use their Season Ticket card to enter Laithwaite Community Stadium for all Vanarama National League matches.
Supporters with individual match tickets can use the e-ticket they purchased which was emailed from noreply@ktckts.com. Such tickets can be scanned on a smartphone or when printed.
Any assistance needed for matchday please contact tickets@wokingfc.co.uk, call 01483 772470, or come to reception Mon - Fri, 09:0017:00, or matchdays, 09:00 - half-time.
OTHER INFORMATION
Away supporter information can be found here. Directions to the ground are available here. Disabled access information is available here
@wokingfc
Each season the club allocates 3 matches during the season as an opportunity to honour and remember supporters who have recently...
@wokingfc
WHAT A RESULT FROM THE LADS! Two second half goals from Dion KellyEvans and Lewis Walker turn the tide for the Cards, as we come...
So C IA l
@wokingfc
@jamieandrews._’s ball down the channel is superbly lobbed home by @ lewisjw19 for the winner.
@wokingfc
Togetherness. A huge thank you to the travelling Cardinals! One down, five to go…
Attend our final home match of the 2024/25 season at the Laithwaite Community Stadium against Eastleigh FC for just a tenner!
@wokingfc
@wokingfc DKE heads us level four minutes into the second half!
K. Harratt, 3’
D. Kelly-Evans 49’
L. Walker, 58’
SUNDAY 4TH MAY
Woking
END OF SEASON - FAMILY FUN DAY
END OF SEASON FAMILY DAY RETURNS TO THE LAITHWAITE COMMUNITY STADIUM
SUNDAY 4th MAY - 10am-6pm
28. Ollie Webber
22. Will Jääskeläinen
3. Jacob Jones
2. Dan Moss
7. Harry Beautyman 8. Dale Gorman
5. Timi Odusina
6. Jamie Andrews 21. Ben Wynter 27. Dion Kelly-Evans
11. Dennon Lewis 16. Tunji Akinola
15. Adam Chicksen
4. Chinwike Okoli Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available
19. Jokubas Mazionis
14. Tariq Hinds
30. Frank Vincent
12. Inih Effiong
24. Rohan Ince
31. Aiden O'Brien 39. Leo Christophers
17. Matt Ward
10. Lewis Walker
23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Dan Rowe
Malcolm Jobling
Oli Young
Dave Morriss
35. Charlie Sayers 29. Sha'mar Lawson
20. Sam Ashford
18. Joshua Osude Neal Ardley
Simon Bassey
Craig Mackail-Smith
ABOUT
The Cards Trust (Cardinals Supporters Society) has worked with the Club to represent fans for more than a decade. The Trust is a shareholder of the Club (and owns around a quarter of it) and has a representative on the Board to put forward the fans’ views.
MEMBERSHIP
Supporters can join The Cards Trust for just £10 per year. Information about joining is on the Trust website.
BOOST THE BUDGET
An initiative to help the Club’s playing budget with regular contributions. More than £200,000 has gone to the Club throughout the scheme.
THE 400 CLUB
A prize draw with twelve draws per year. Around £20,000 has been given to support the Club and more than £12,000 in prizes.
GOLDRUSH
The prize draw that gives back 50% to the lucky winner with a draw at half-time on matchday, with a minimum stake of just £1. The prizes have recently been around £400 and the winning number is announced and displayed on the digital screen at half-time.
SOCIAL EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERING
The Trust also organises social events and co-
ordinates the activities of volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to help on match days.
JUNIOR CARDS
A scheme with a range of activities for under 16s including stadium tours and competitions.
PLAYER AWARD VOTES
The Fans’ Player of the Month and Player of the Season polls are conducted by the Trust.
AWAY MATCH TRAVEL
The Cards Trust arranges coach travel to away matches for supporters at the lowest cost possible. If you are an advertiser that would like to sponsor the travel, please get in touch.
Details of all coaches are available on the Trust website, where tickets can be booked online, usually up to 23:00 on the day before the match. Members and Junior Cards get discounted away match travel.
SUPPORTERS’ LIAISON GROUP
The SLG consults with fans (both Trust members and non-members) and the Club to improve the fan experience. Real change has been made based on ideas from the group including the successful Turner's Tannoy appeal which has financed the recent upgrade in the PA at the stadium.
THE CARDS TRUST
THIS WeeK'S UPdATe S
SUPPORTERS COACHES
Supporters Coaches are subject to having enough bookings to run. The following trips are now on sale:
For more information, email adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk
JUNIOR CARDS
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10!
Please join up or renew CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAYS
Jack Savage - April 8th - 9 years old
400 CLUB
March draw
£100 number 424 Emily Ramsbottom
£75 number 264 John McNerney
£50 number 372 Louie Adamson
Congratulations to the winners!
The 400 club units are just £12 each per year.
To learn more and take part please contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
NEW FAN WAll
THE CARDS TRUST LAUNCHES A FAN WALL
If you're coming to the Laithwaite this afternoon then you'll notice a striking new Fan Wall on the outside wall of the Legends Bar. The wall offers personalised plaques to purchase that enable you to celebrate your favourite player, record your first match, or of course remember a loved one - it is very fitting that Andy Turner has pride of place on the top left plaque. Developed by the Supporters Liaison Group within The Cards Trust, this fundraising initiative will be used by the trust to fund improvements to the spectator experience at the ground, as well as contributing to Boost The Budget and other initiatives to support Woking FC. You can find out more about how to get your own plaque by clicking here or
by speaking to any Cards Trust official at the game today.
Anyone can purchase a plaque, you don't need to be a member of The Cards Trust, but please consider joining to actively support your club. This is also a great way for anyone who cannot get to The Laithwaite Community Stadium themselves to show their ongoing support for the club.
Thanks to the generous support of The Platinum Table new plaques for Geoff Chapple, Barry Kimber and Colin Lippiatt have been placed at the heart of our Fan Wall.
OUR SUPPORTERS LIAISON GROUP IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
The Supporters’ Liaison Group is designed to act as the bridge between all Woking FC fans and Woking Football Club by:
Providing communication channels for ALL supporters (whether or not members of the Cardinals Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust) to give constructive comments about issues relating to fan experience for the attention of senior staff and owners of the Football Club.
Convening regular liaison meetings directly with senior staff and owners of the Football Club to facilitate dialogue and ensure ALL fans have a
voice on key matters affecting them (in addition to the existing route via the Cardinal Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust representative on the Football Club Board).
Encouraging fan consultation on issues affecting supporters.
We were delighted to recently welcome new members to the SLG and a very positive Zoom meeting was held with the clubs majority shareholder. We also held a productive introductory meeting with new members on March 20th at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
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A team you can count on
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With our highly experienced surgeons working in harmony with state-of-the-art equipment, the hip and knee replacement surgery we offer has evolved – bringing patients a range of enhanced benefits. The result: even greater surgical precision, leading to improved outcomes, decreased pain and faster patient recovery.
For further information visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/woking or call 01483 227 800.
MATCHdAy & BAll SPoNSoRSHIP
Booking as part of a business, or simply looking to celebrate in added style? Why not take out a match or ball sponsorship?
You’ll receive all the incredible VIP Hospitality benefits, plus: Match Sponsorship - £1,150.00 + VAT
• Signed home shirt
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality for a table of ten (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
• Choose player of the match – read out on PA
• Executive VIP parking
Match Ball Sponsorship - £650.00 + VAT
• Signed match ball
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality experience for a table of six (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
Pl AyeR SPoNSoRSHIP
The club are delighted to announce the Player Sponsorship package for the 24/25 season.
The club have reviewed the price and enhanced the offer to make supporting your favourite 1st team management or player more accessible and rewarding.
From the 24/25 season, player and management sponsors will receive:
• Signed match worn home and away jerseys near the start of the season presented at our Player & Management Sponsors dinner.
• Dedicated video shout-out from the player on signing and/ or on your birthday/special event (or a significant others).
• 2 x hospitality tickets during the season and the opportunity to meet your sponsored player after/before the game.
• Option to attend manager/player meet and greet throughout the season.
• Pre-game scoreboard reel with players and your name/ logo next to them.
Price for 24/25 player sponsorship is £900 + VAT. To sponsor a player, please email Simon, the club's Business Development Director, on simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk.
HoSPiTAliT y PACKAGe S 24/25
Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm its matchday hospitality prices for 2024/25.
Enjoy VIP matchday hospitality for only £65 per person at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
You will be able to book in advance for all 24/25 fixtures online once the list has been released.
What’s included?
• Three-course meal* prepared by our in-house chef team using locally sourced ingredients supplied by Simmons Family Butchers and Boz’s Fruit & Veg.
• Executive leather padded seats in the Seymours Community Stand.
• Dedicated lounge emcee.
• Exclusive bar and drinks options.
• Pre-match first-team management or player visit.
• Hear from the match sponsors’ player of the match after the game.
Single Match Pricing 24/25
VIP Hospitality: £65.00
STH VIP Hospitality: £50.00
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality**: £35.00
Hospitality Season Tickets
VIP Hospitality: £1,350 (£145 discount)
Platinum VIP Hospitality***: £1,750 (£205 discount)
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality: £750 (£90 discount).
Existing 2024/25 season ticket holders can enjoy a discount of £15pp for single-match hospitality. All payments for VIP matchday hospitality tickets shall be payable upon booking. Please note – cash is not accepted in the Geoff Chapple Lounge, and we will not accept cash payments on the day. Bookings are
only provisional until payment is made. All payments for hospitality season tickets shall be payable upon booking. If you have already purchased a 2024/25 season ticket**** and wish to upgrade to hospitality or platinum for the season, do so by calling the Club on 01483 772 470. Hospitality will be bookable online via the online ticketing platform or through the Club phone lines.
Other information
* Consisting of a main meal 1 hour before kick-off, a cold pudding at half-time and a cheeseboard for the table to share post-game. The main meal will either be a meat or vegetarian option (1 option of each) and will be sent out via email one week before the match. If you’d like to request an advance menu, please email tickets@wokingfc. co.uk. Please do not email menu choices in advance, as you will choose on the day. Please only email evie.carey@wokingfc.co.uk with allergen or dietary requirements.
** Under 14’s hospitality will enjoy all the benefits of a VIP Hospitality ticket; however, their main meal options are: Cheeseburger & Chips, Hotdog & Chips, Vegan Hotdog & Chips
*** The platinum package includes all the VIP perks, plus five drink vouchers to use per matchday at the Geoff Chapple Lounge bar, which may be redeemed for draught beer pints, 187ml wine by the glass, single spirits with mixers or soft drinks. Please note that platinum packages are only available for hospitality season ticket holders.
AUGUST
Sat Aug 10 Altrincham
Sat Aug 17 Gateshead
Tue Aug 20 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Aug 24 Ebbsfleet United
Mon Aug 26 Hartlepool United
Sat Aug 31 Rochdale
SEPTEMBER
Sat Sep 7 Braintree Town
Tue Sep 10 Wealdstone
Sat Sep 14 Oldham Athletic
Sat Sep 21 AFC Fylde
Tue Sep 24 Eastleigh
Sat Sep 28 Sutton United
OCTOBER
Sat Oct 5 York City
Sat Oct 12 Slough Town (FA Cup)
Sat Oct 19 Tamworth
Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors
Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers
NOVEMBER
Sat Nov 2 Cambridge United (FA Cup)
Sat Nov 9 FC Halifax Town
Sat Nov 16 Boston United
Sat Nov 23 Barnet
Tue Nov 26 Southend United
Sat Nov 30 Yeovil Town
DECEMBER
Tue Dec 10 Havant & Waterlooville
Sat Dec 14 Gateshead
Sat Dec 21 Altrincham
Thu Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Wed Jan 1 Maidenhead United
Sat Jan 4 Radcliffe (FA Trophy)
Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town
Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 1 Gainsborough Trinity (FA Trophy)
Sat Feb 8 York City
Tue Feb 11 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Feb 15 Tamworth
Wed Feb 19 Solihull Moors
Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers
MARCH
Sat Mar 1 Oxford City (FA Trophy QF)
Tue Mar 4 Southend United
Sat Mar 8 Boston United
Sat Mar 15 Barnet
Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone
Tue Mar 25 FC Halifax Town
Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town
APRIL
Wed Apr 1 Rochdale
Sat Apr 5 Aldershot Town (FA Trophy SF)
Tue Apr 8 Oldham Athletic
Sat Apr 12 AFC Fylde
Fri Apr 18 Maidenhead United
Mon Apr 21 Aldershot Town
Sat Apr 26 Eastleigh
MAY
Mon May 5 Sutton United
JUNioR CARdiNAl S
GuEss ThE plaYERs
ANSWERS
INTeRACTiVe QUiz
Welcome
BADGE:
PLAYERS: Jordan Pickford
Josko Gvardiol
Stoke City
MATCHdAy MASCoTS
9 years old,
Favourite
9 years old
Favourite player is Inih Effiong
5 years old,
Favourite
Wilder North
5 years old, plays for Premier Football. Favourite player is Matt Ward
Oscar Simpson
Plays for Woking Cougars, U9 Youths
player is Harry Beautyman.
Phoebe Wareham
Sammy Woods
Plays for Meadow Sports.
player is Harry Beautyman
Ivy Greenwood
6 years old
Favourite player is Harry Beautyman
Harry Simmonds
8 years old
Favourite player is Inih Effiong
Zoe Hague
9 Years old
Favourite player is Harry Beautyman
Mia Hodges
10 years old
Favourite player is Inih Effiong
Noah Jones
8 years old, plays for Goldsworth Park Rangers (GPR) U9. Favourite player is Will Jaaskeleinen.
Ernie Cordery
7 years old, plays for Meadow Sports U7 & The Ultimate Football Academy Elite. Favourite players are Dan Moss & Matt Ward
Theo Linnell
9 years old
Favourite player is Will Jaaskeleinen
Noah Hawkesworth
7 years old, plays for Meadow Sports Favourite player is Inih Effiong
MASCoTS PACK AGe
There are two options available
Package One: Full Experience £120* (includes match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£108 total cost)
• 2024/25 match shirt
• Pre-match stadium tour
• Complimentary match day tickets for 1 adult and 1 child.
• Meet & Greet with photo opportunities with players
• Food & drink voucher.
• Kickabout pitch side as the players warm up.
• Digital programme feature
• Tannoy announcement
• Walk out with the players
• Picture with team captains and match officials
• A Woking FC representative present throughout
Package Two: Full Experience £80* (does not include match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£72 total cost) Includes all the above
A training top will be lent to the mascot to wear during the pitch-walk in the case that you do not have the current 24/25 match shirt.
Team Mascot Packages are available – please contact the club for more information.
Please note fixtures are subject to availability, If you have any further questions or special requests email simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk
CoNGRATUl ATioNS
Today at the game we have lifelong Woking supporter George Tarrant who is here in the Geoff Chapple hospitality lounge celebrating his stag do ahead of his marriage to Lilian Lau.
Congratulations from all at Woking FC
ACAdeMy
The Woking FC Academy has been operating in its current format for over a decade with the aim of helping talented young footballers make progress into the club's first team set up or in their sporting careers whilst continuing with their academic studies.
For the 2024/25 season, the youth and academy setup runs in three stages; a pre-academy for six to nine-year-olds, a youth academy for nine to 16-year-olds, and a full-time academy for talented young players above the age of 16, including an education plan.
The Academy works with the Football Club's partner charitable and community organisation, Cardinals in the Community (CITC).
Notable academy graduates in recent history include Woking legends Craig Ross and Joe McNerney, Wrexham's Ollie Palmer, and exChelsea and now-Reading's Jayden Wareham.
PRE-ACADEMY
The Pre-Academy is for the very youngest players, covering U7s, U8s and U9s. Meeting once a week, players train and learn in a fun and friendly environment under the watchful eye of our coaches. Players that show real talent have the opportunity to progress to Woking FC Academy Youth.
The Pre-Academy trains at The Winston Churchill School in Woking, Thursdays, 17:00 - 18:00.
YOUTH ACADEMY
Starting with U9s and progressing through the age groups right up to U16s, players train with our Academy coaches and have the opportunity to play competitively in the Junior Premier League. Training is held twice weekly at CITC’s sports hub, within the grounds of Woking College, and matches are played on Saturdays. At this level, players are able to continue playing for their grassroots clubs.
As with the main Academy, players receive a progress report twice per season, which helps identify areas of their game to work on and improve. U16s players are assessed throughout the season with a view to being invited to join Woking FC Academy.
WOKING FC ACADEMY
Woking FC Academy is a National League licensed academy. We aim to develop each and every player to reach their full potential, instilling ambition and a professional attitude. We work as closely as possible to Category 3 Academy standards, creating a professional environment in which players thrive.
Players train 5-6 hours per week at CITC’s sports hub. Their development is supported by video analysis of training and matches, group workshops and strength and conditioning sessions. One-to-one reviews are held twice every season, along with player reports so that both the coaching staff and the players themselves have a clear focus on individual development.
Woking FC Academy plays competitive matches in the U18 Isthmian League, U19 National League and also have the opportunity to play in U23 fixtures. Players in our Elite Development Plan (EDP) compete in the Tactic League and National B League. Cup competitions are a feature of the fixture calendar. Pre-season training includes friendlies and there are opportunities to travel abroad for football tours and tournaments, including the Gothia Cup.
Our football timetable is planned in conjunction with players’ education. Academy players can
choose to attend Woking College or focus on gaining the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, which is delivered by SCL Education at Westfield FC. Players on the EDP pathway study towards the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (equivalent to 3 A levels) with SCL.
AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS
Under 23s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
Play in: Suburban Football League - Premier Division
Home games: Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Under 19s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
National League U19 Alliance - Academy South Division
Home games: Westfield FC, weekdays, daytime
Under 19B - predominantly U17s - first years
National League U19 Alliance - Division E Woking College, weekdays, daytime
Under 18s - predominantly U17s - first years
Pitching In Isthmian Football League - Youth West Division
Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Players will also have the chance to represent the academy in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.
ACAdeMy BULLETIN
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 7th April 2025
WEDNESDAY 9TH APRIL
11:30 - Woking U17 v Boreham Wood Blues
National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way
14:00 – Woking U19 v Oxford City U19
National League Academy - South Division Woking College, Rydens Way
THURSDAY 10TH APRIL
19:30 – East Grinstead Town U18 v Woking U18
Isthmian League – Central Division
Vistavis Community Stadium, East Court College Lane, East Grinstead RH19 3LS
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter) page.
Information is also available on the fulltime.thefa.com website.
The Academy website, where you can also find details of the Elite Development Squad launch, is wokingcitc.org
MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS
Week commencing 31st March 2025
WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL
Eastleigh U19 2 - 1 Woking U19
National League Academy - South Division Ganger Farm Sports Park, Romsey
Report from Holly Porter
A tough fixture awaited the u19s this week, as they travelled to face Eastleigh, who started the day occupying the second-placed spot.
A windy day at Ganger Farm saw a few set-up changes within the lineup. Boxall’s absence saw Christophers push higher up the field, with Young playing slightly deeper. Boyle dropped into right back, as he has often done before, with Lewis pushing further up the field in the right-wing position. There was a change of personnel in goal as well, with Verga returning in the Woking net.
The first real chance for the Young Cards came in the 3rd minute, with an excellent ball forward from Boyle which was chased down by Mitchell. The home ‘keeper did well, however, to get to the ball first, and clear it under pressure, which denied Mitchell an early effort at goal.
For the remainder of the opening 10 minutes, Eastleigh dominated and really applied the pressure going forward. In the 9th minute, Verga did well to get down to his left to push a close effort out for a corner kick.
The resulting corner was dangerous from the home side, with the ball being pulled back to a runner outside the box, and the delivery being headed just over the bar.
Eastleigh also showed their threat from range in the opening stages, with a shot from outside the area in the 16th minute which was well connected with. The effort was deflected on its journey goalward which, in the end, made for an easy collection for Verga.
In the 20th minute, Woking had a big chance to take the lead after Scott drove into the box and won a corner for his side. Smith got a strong header on the delivery, but the ‘keeper was able to collect, and Eastleigh went forward once again.
It was this phase of play where the home side were able to take the lead. The advantage was taken in the 21st minute, with a shot from outside the area which sailed into the net after a quick move upfield.
The response was positive from the Cards, who did not let their heads drop after the setback. The ball was played forward with Lewis, who pulled the ball back to Boyle shortly after the restart. The effort from Boyle, however, went just wide of the goal.
Gardner displayed his defensive dominance in the 25th minute, with an attempted through-
ball from Eastleigh calling the skipper into action once again. Staying with his runner, he did excellently well to get his body across and attempt a pass back to Verga, with a flying boot which brought him down and earned him a free-kick in the process.
On the half-hour mark, Lewis was brought down just outside the box, with Young stood over the set piece. The delivery into the box looped towards the back post but went out of play before it could be reached by the head of Stevens.
In the 35th minute, Mitchell did well to keep the ball on the edge of the box and passed it out to Lewis on the right side. His delivery into the box was good, but no one was there to get the final touch, and the search for the equaliser continued.
Just minutes later, Eastleigh went on what looked to be a threatening move forward, with Stevens having done very well to stick with his player, and did just enough to put off the shot. The shot was executed, but Verga had come out to meet it and then reacted first to claim the loose ball as his own.
A dominant opening spell from Eastleigh was diminished as Woking grew into the game, but nevertheless, the Cards went in at the break with an uphill second-half battle.
Half-time: Eastleigh 1 – 0 Woking
Starting the half strongly, Woking had a clearcut chance at goal in the 48th minute, with Mitchell having won a free-kick halfway into the Eastleigh half. Young took the set piece, finding Lewis’ overlapping run down the right side, who put a dangerous ball into a crowded box. The header from Mitchell, however, lacked accuracy, and the ball went out for a goal-kick.
In the 56th minute, Verga made a good save to deny the home side a second. A close-range
shot forced a reactive save from the ‘keeper, who got his gloves to the first effort, and then reacted quickly to claim the loose ball.
With almost an instant impact off of the bench, Pask went close in with a free-kick in the 64th minute. He went for goal and placed the ball around the wall, but the ball was collected by the ‘keeper with little trouble. Involved again, Pask went wide in the 67th minute after he connected well with Smith’s delivery.
Despite a number of decent chances from Woking, it was Eastleigh who were the next to capitalise. Verga did well to save the initial effort from the home side, but the ball was pushed back out into a dangerous area, and the second shot was fired into the net, which doubled Eastleigh’s advantage with just over 20 minutes left to play.
The 78th minute saw a couple of chances for Woking to get one back. Firstly, Pask took a free-kick midway into the Eastleigh half, which was headed away by the home defence. Christophers then did well to keep it alive on the right-hand side, but it was headed away once again.
Chances flowed for Woking in the final 10 minutes, with Boyle’s shot being blocked in the 82nd minute, followed by an effort from Ampah which went just wide. In the 84th minute, Smith did well to beat his player and find Ampah in the box, but the substitute had his shot blocked. Moments later, Pask went wide, and the search to get something out of the fixture continued.
Mitchell was brought down in the box in the 88th minute, and this time the referee pointed straight to the spot without hesitation, and it was Mitchell who claimed the ball and stood over the spot kick. The ‘keeper dived the right way and kept Mitchell’s shot out, and indeed the follow-up shot, but the ball spilt back out into the box and Pask fired home to get one back for the Cards.
The travelling side restarted the game quickly, with a late flurry of chances in which Eastleigh were forced to make some pinpoint challenges, and some fortunate blocks, to deny their opponents a point. In the end, time ran out for the Young Cards, and despite a strong showing, they suffered defeat on the road at the hands of the new league leaders.
Academy Manager Matt Winter reflected on the game, stating: “With the chances we created at the end, it’s frustrating that they just wouldn’t fall, but that's a testament to the character of the players. After each goal we conceded [they] showed a real lift in performance and were able to go and cause them problems [...] We didn’t get the result that we wanted, of course, but the performance was there, and that was key, and we have to keep being consistent with the performances and if we are, the results will change.”
Woking: Mikey Verga, Louie Boyle, Tom Gardner ©, Harrison Stevens, Ryan Scott, Jack Lewis (Louis Pask 57’), Jermaine Junior Young (Aidy Silverstein 62’), Henry McDonald (Jojo Ampah 70’), Jayden Smith, Leo Christophers, Ben Mitchell. Unused sub: Bob Honey (GK).
Goal: Pask 88’.
Woking U17 2 – 5 Chatham Town Youth National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way
Report from Ian Tilley
With the final league table taking shape, this contest was reflective of the team’s positions in the league. Chatham now have games in hand to aim for a third, or perhaps even second, place finish, whilst Woking look likely to finish seventh of the ten teams in the division.
Woking were the architects of their own poor start, after just 3 minutes the ball was conceded too easily in midfield, and Josh Carter hit an unstoppable 35-yard lob which crashed in off the underside of the bar, with James Moore stranded. Carter’s strike benefitting from a strong wind that would make conditions difficult throughout the game.
Woking then competed well against an opponent who looked to have more of an under 19 side, which is permitted at this level. Hayden Vally, Jack Tricker and Tyrell Ejakita all had attempts on goal, with Ollie Rigby’s attacking play from his defensive starting point also catching the eye.
Chatham came close to doubling their lead on 21 minutes, Jonny Harris’ header from a Louie Belsham corner powered into the bottom corner, and very well saved by Moore. With the ‘keeper called upon a minute later to push a Carter freekick away for a corner.
Woking nearly had the equaliser on 27 minutes, Roshan Kigozi’s cross across the six-yard box just evading Vally’s outstretched leg. But two minutes later, another powerful, wind assisted, strike gave Chatham their second. Carter teeing up Louie Belsham, who had space to curl into the top corner from 20 yards.
The game itself seemed even, although Chatham did look to be dealing with the conditions better, and the hope was that Liam Sherriff, the Chatham ‘keeper, would have the same difficulties with distribution that faced Moore, once the teams had turned around for the second-half.
Half-time: Woking 0 – 2 Chatham Town
Woking adjusted for the second-half, Kai Baverstock replacing Thomas Ward, with
Ollie Rigby moving to the centre of the back three, Joe Scanlon sitting a little deeper in his holding midfield position, and Tricker and Kigozi continuing with the switch of flanks they had made during the first- half.
Chances were now exchanged, Tricker going close with a shot from the edge of the area, and Chatham substitute Boissiere also shooting narrowly wide. Scanlon called upon for a fine recovery challenge, and Ejakita doing well to get on to the end of a Rigby long ball through the middle before shooting wide under pressure.
Unfortunately, Woking were to pay the price for unnecessarily giving the ball away on 58 minutes. Colin Igboma intercepted the misplaced pass and ran forward before having his shot blocked. Jesse Rowe took the resulting corner and Will Samways found space all too easily in the six-yard box to knock the ball home.
Two minutes later it was nearly four, Boissiere hitting the bar from 18 yards. Woking responded with a change, Pranish Gurung coming on to the left side of the attack, with Kigozi playing as a central forward.
On 70 minutes Woking looked to be back in the game. Kigozi still had work to do when he received Max Goldsworthy’s pass on the edge of the area, but the forward did well to create space and shoot accurately into the bottom corner.
Woking’s hopes were lifted, but would soon be dashed by a rather unfortunate incident. Chatham attacked and the referee’s assistant flagged for offside. Woking stopped whilst Chatham continued, Boissiere crossing unchallenged for Farron Chime to tap the ball home. The referee’s subsequent decision to overrule the offside and allow the goal a tough lesson for Woking to take.
Chatham pressed home their advantage, Igboma hitting the bar on 74 minutes, before Boissiere made it five on 78 minutes. Played in by Clarence Tambe, the Chatham forward saw his first effort save by Moore, but the rebound fell kindly for him to finish the chance.
Woking were still keen to show what might have been, and at least got one back. Tricker and Vally involved in the threat on the Chatham goal, and when Tricker won a free-kick, Kigozi’s effort was saved before Vally knocked home the rebound.
Both sides went in search of further goals, but it wasn’t to be, and the game drew to its close. A more emphatic scoreline than Chatham deserved, but they had dealt better with the conditions, and it would be hard to begrudge them their victory.
Woking: James Moore, Ollie Rigby, Thomas Ward (Kai Baverstock 46), Max Goldsworthy, Roshan Kigozi, Will Ledbury, Joe Scanlon (Brian Rai 63), Jack Tricker, Frankie Bushby © (Luca Di Manno 76), Tyrell Ejakita (Pranish Gurung 63), Hayden Vally. Unused sub: Jack Owen.
Goals: Kigozi 70, Vally 85.
Chatham Town: Liam Sherriff, Bobby Slatter, Will Samways, Jonny Harris ©, Lewis Nicholls, Alfie Jones, Louie Belsham (Clarence Tambe 67), Josh Carter, Colin Igboma (Kelvin Boissiere 46), Josh Fill (Farron Chime 54), Jesse Rowe. No further substitutes named.
Goals: Carter 3, Belsham 29, Samways 58, Chime 71, Boissiere 78.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
Wednesday 2nd April
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 2 – 2 draw at Guildford City in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5). Sandhurst scoring their equaliser on 90+4 minutes.
Saturday 5th April
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Came on as a 56th minute substitute (when the score was 1 – 0), in the 5 – 0 victory at Sandhurst Town in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year –Camberley Town: Came on as a 24th minute substitute (when the score was 0 – 0), in the 5 – 0 victory at Sandhurst Town in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Aidy Silverstein, Central Defender, 2nd year – Blackfield & Langley: Played the full game in the 3 – 1 defeat at Wincanton Town in the Wessex League – Premier Division (Step 5). Unfortunately, a result which sees Blackfield all but mathematically relegated.
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 0 – 5 defeat to Camberley Town in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Nb. Camberley Town are now guaranteed to avoid relegation; Sandhurst Town are still vulnerable to being caught.
WOkING FC a FC F Y ld E
MANAGER: NEAL ARDLEY
DAN MOSS
JACOB JONES
CHINWIKE OKOLI
TIMI ODUSINA
JAMIE ANDREWS
HARRY BEAUTYMAN
DALE GORMAN
AIDEN O'BRIEN
LEWIS WALKER
DENNON LEWIS
INIH EFFIONG
TARIQ HINDS
ADAM CHICKSEN
TUNJI AKINOLA
MATT WARD
JOSHUA OSUDE
JOKUBAS MAZIONIS
SAM ASHFORD
BEN WYNTER
WILL JÄÄSKELÄINEN
JERMAINE ANDERSON
ROHAN INCE
DION KELLY-EVANS
OLLIE WEBBER
SHA’MAR LAWSON
FRANK VINCENT
CHARLIE SAYERS
LEO CHRISTOPHERS
INTERIM MANAGER: DAVID LONGWELL
DAN SASSI
OWEN EVANS
HARRY DAVIS
EMEKA OBI
ADAM LONG
CHARLIE JOLLEY
ETHAN MITCHELL
OFFRANDE ZANZALA
NICK HAUGHTON
JON USTABAŞI
MAX BARDELL
WILL HUGILL
CHRIS STOKES
COREY WHELAN
LINCOLN MCFAYDEN
ASHLEY BOATSWAIN
GAVIN MASSEY
JACK MORRIS
BRYCE HOSANNAH
JESSE HAILWOOD
DANNY ORMEROD
BEN WINTERBOTTOM
TAELOR O'KANE
EWAN DODGSON
JOE RILEY
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