MONDAY 21 S t Ap R il kI C k OFF: 12:30
WELCOME
Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as we host Aldershot Town for match-day 44.
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.
E
nd 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.
Kind regards,
Simon Jones Business Development Director
NE AL ARDLEY
2024/25
SE ASON 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.
AHEAD Of THE GAME
Woking’s penultimate home game of the season comes with the visit of local rivals Aldershot Town to a sold out Laithwaite on Easter Monday.
Friday’s comeback at Maidenhead to secure a valuable point and leave the gap to the drop zone at six points with three games left means Woking know a win would effectively secure safety, possibly mathematically depending on how other results go.
With the Cards unbeaten in six in the league having picked up twelve points, Neal Ardley has a number of players he could bring into the side depending on injuries and balance. Friday’s team being unchanged probably won’t be repeated with this the second game over the Easter weekend.
OPPOSITION WATCH
A good run including seven wins from late February to the start of April effectively ensured Aldershot’s safety in the division for another season, with 54 points probably enough following their draw at home to Sutton on Friday.
Woking vs Aldershot Town Vanarama National League
Monday 21st April 2025 12:30 Kick-Off
That result came after two defeats, one at home to Boston United and a 7-2 thumping at the hands of York City. With just two league games after this fixture until the Shots play at Wembley, Tommy Widdrington will no doubt be careful with his selection protocol.
One player who might be rested is his son Theo, who played a key part in getting Harry Beautyman sent off in the Trophy semi final. Beautyman’s red card was of course rescinded. The Shots lined up with both James Henry and Josh Barrett in their starting eleven, with a combined 35 goals in all competitions between them. Chances are one or both will make an impact off the bench.
AROUND THE GROUND
This fixture is of course SOLD OUT , and please also remember that it is a 12:30 kick-off.
ALLOCATION AND ENTRY INFORMATION
Supporters will be purchasing tickets for specific areas of the ground and will not be able to watch the match from another area.
The Laithwaite Community Stadium will be allocated coloured zones.
BLUE: MKJ Kingfield Road End and Wheelchair Area
YELLOW: Jewson Family Stand
GREEN: Guests, Press, Hospitality, Directors, Staff, VIPs
ORANGE: Moaners’ Corner Red: Seymours Community Stand (home end)
WHITE: Chris Lane Terrace and Seymours
Community Stand (away end)
Supporters including Season Ticket Holders must enter The Laithwaite Community Stadium according to the colour allocated to their ticket.
Entry for Season Ticket holders for Seymours Community Stand or Moaners will not be permitted via Gate One.
BLUE AND YELLOW: Gate One (Kingfield Road)
Green: Guest Entrance (Kingfield Road)
ORANGE AND RED: Gate Four (Westfield Avenue) White: Gate Two (Kingfield Road)
Access to all away fans will be via Gate Two.
Away supporters found in the home end will be ejected, and vice versa.
Ground Information, Rules and Regulations
All fans are advised to read the Ground Rules and Regulations for fan behaviour at The Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Please be advised that any fan caught trying to gain entry into the Laithwaite Community Stadium, or found to be responsible for deploying such items as smoke bombs, fireworks, flares or any other pyrotechnics will receive a non-negotiable lifetime ban.
Note this is also a Criminal Offence and likely that culprits will receive a football banning order via the Courts.
ALL FANS
All fans are advised to arrive early due to additional security screenings. Anyone arriving less than 30 minutes prior to the start of the match will risk missing kickoff.
LAST TIME OUT
With this the third meeting between the sides this season after a 2-2 draw at the EBB on Boxing Day, before Aldershot’s controversial 2-1 win a couple of weeks ago, Woking will hope to set the record straight.
The last meeting at the Laithwaite was a 3-2 win for the visitors despite two goals from Reece Grego-Cox, whilst the reverse fixture on Boxing Day 2023 was a goalless draw.
This will be the fourth consecutive season that this fixture has sold out at the Laithwaite, with both games at the EBB this season drawing crowds of over 5.4k and a sellout crowd of over 7k.
@wokingfc
Derby day this bank holiday Monday. Allocation and Entry Information Supporters will be purchasing tickets for specific areas of the ground...
@wokingfc
A second-half comeback earns us a point on bank holiday Friday! Lewis Walker and Aiden O'Brien got on the scoresheet, after being two...
S OC IAL
@wokingfc
Three goals in four games for @lewisjw19.
@wokingfc
@wokingfc
Happy Easter, Cardinals!
We asked the players what their favourite Easter Egg is, and it transpires DKE REALLY enjoys Easter…
@wokingfc
See you Monday, Cardinals. Sending the away end into raptures!
B, Kiernan, 25’ M. Welch-Hayes, 60’
L. Walker, 62’ A, O’Brien, 66’
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 UPDATES
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
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
NEW fAN WALL SLG
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
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
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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Nuffield Health Woking Hospital are introducing robotic arm-assisted precision surgery for orthopaedic surgery.
Greater surgical precision, better outcomes and less time spent in hospital.
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)
PLAYER 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.
HOSPiTALiTY PACKAGES 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
PLAYER STATS
GuESS tHE pl AYERS
MATCHDAY MASCOTS
EMILIA EMERSON
Emilia first started coming to Woking games about 4 years ago. As her passion for football has grown, so has her passion for Woking. She now comes to almost every home game and some away games too. Her favourite player is Matt Ward. She loves playing for Claygate Royals and also at her school, Claremont
ZAC HENDERSON
We have been Woking season ticket he holders for the last 2 years and love being there to cheer on the Cards! Our favourite players are Will Jaaskelainen and Inih Effiong. Come on you Cards!!
LUKE HENDERSON
We have been Woking season ticket he holders for the last 2 years and love being there to cheer on the Cards! Our favourite players are Will Jaaskelainen and Inih Effiong. Come on you Cards!!
LOGAN BUTLER
I support Woking because their players inspire me to do my best when playing football. I have supported them since I was 5 and am now a proud season ticket holder. Shout out to my friends from the GPR Grizzles who are with me today. COME ON YOU CARDS!”
JACOB
As a Middle Eastern family, we have all supported Woking since Sep. 1996 when they played a friendly against Kuwait. Come on the cardinals!
CALLUM
I support Woking FC as they're my local team!
SIMEON
I likes the way how Woking play as a team and they don’t give up and keep pushing for the best results.
AYAAN
My family have been supporting Woking FC for many years . I was bought up to support Woking too
RONNIE
I love Woking because it where I live, up the cards
JAMES
I Support Woking - because why wouldn’t I?
ALBIE
I support Woking because they are better than Aldershot.
TYLER
I support Woking as it’s my home team and one of the best teams!
I’ve lived in Woking my whole life.. Up the Cards
JAMESON
I love Woking it's got such a friendly feel and a real connection with the locals COYC!
DOM COYC!! Need I say more?
JENSON
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
• Complimentary match day tickets for 1 adult and 1 child.
• Pre-match stadium tour
• 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
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 FIXTURE Week commencing 14th April 2025
WEDNESDAY 16TH APRIL
14:00 – Woking U19 v Maidstone United U19
National League Academy - South Division Woking College, Rydens Way
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 7th April 2025
WEDNESDAY 9TH APRIL
Woking U17 3 – 3 Boreham Wood Blues National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way
An uneventful start gave little hint of the upsand-downs which were to follow in this game between the sides in 7th and 8th positions in this ten-team league.
On 17 minutes Boreham Wood were forced to make a change, Joshua Barfi replacing the unfortunate Jeoffrey Mawanga, with the substitute soon to make an impact.
On 23 minutes, after Zac Webster’s freekick had been tipped over for a corner by James Moore, Barfi’s quality delivery was powerfully headed home at the far post by Kofi McEyeson.
Boreham Wood looked an older side and were closing Woking down very well, but Woking still pressed, and made the most of an error on 32 minutes. Wood defender Michael Wakeling was caught on the ball on the edge of his sixyard box, and Tyrell Ejakita’s sliding challenge knocked the ball into the unguarded net.
It looked as if the sides might go to the halftime break even, but Barfi’s excellent corner delivery paid dividends again. On 44 minutes the ball went straight in from Barfi’s corner, with the flight of the ball, and Wakeling’s attempted header, deceiving Moore in the Woking goal.
Half-time: Woking 1 – 2 Boreham Wood
The second-half started with chances at both ends, Calum Mathieson’s shot was deflected wide for Woking, and Boreham Wood came close to extending their lead with a McEyeson header which looked to have gone in off the post but was adjudged not to have crossed the goal line.
Woking had their equaliser on the hour, there did not initially look to be too much danger for Wood, but Mathieson did well to get his cross over from the right byline and Jack Tricker, as enterprising as ever, arrived at the near post to flick home on the volley.
Tricker struck again on 71 minutes to give Woking the lead. Having won a free-kick on the left side of the penalty area, he struck the ball sweetly around the left side of the twoman wall and inside the ‘keeper, who Tricker
had seen was moving to his left in anticipation of a cross, a great strike.
Unfortunately, within five minutes a careless mistake undid Woking’s winning position. The usually exemplary Joel Jennison-Leppa underhitting a ‘no-look’ backpass, and Jaylen Johnson gratefully running onto the ball and firing home.
Both sides went in search of a winner as the game went into added time. Woking’s best chance coming with a Tricker free-kick, which was blocked by a defender who was about five yards away by the time Tricker hit the ball. Whilst Boreham Wood did have the ball in the net, but the play had already been stopped for a free-kick to Wood.
So, an entertaining draw in a game which both sides may feel they could have won.
Woking: James Moore, Connor Thomas, Kai Baverstock (Joel Jennison-Leppa 63), Jack Owen, Pranish Gurang (Zack Rhioui 57), Frankie Bushby ©, Joe Scanlon (Luca Di Manno 57), Jack Tricker, George Mattingley, Calum Mathieson, Tyrell Ejakita (Hayden Vally 75).
Goals: Ejakita 32, Tricker 60, 71.
Boreham Wood: Niall Donaghey, Jeoffrey Mawanga (Joshua Barfi 17), Shujab Ileshi, Michael Wakeling, Jacob Johnson (Christian Adu 46), Kofi McEyeson ©, Zac Webster (Joao Pedro 71), Govind Bains, Josh Elishi (Osy Nweke 81), James Adrian Moore, Jaylen Johnson.
Goals: McEyeson 23, Barfi 44, Jaylen Johnson 74.
Referee: Lee Murphy.
Woking U19 1 - 1 Oxford City U19
National League Academy - South Division
Woking College, Rydens Way
The U19s faced Oxford City this week, with hopes of avenging the league and cup double defeat that City inflicted on them back in December.
Both teams had some promising spells of play in the first 10 minutes. In the 8th minute, Boxall tried to find his feet after a week off, with an early shot for the forward, but his effort went just wide.
In the 10th minute, City created a strong chance of their own, with a ball which split the defence and put their forward through on goal. Honey came off of his line to make a decent save, but the offside flag was raised regardless.
City’s next big chance at goal came from a free-kick just outside the box. The 20th minute set-piece, however, was driven low and just wide of the left corner.
Back down the other end, Woking’s search for the lead neared an end with Christophers, but the shot from the edge of the box went just wide in the 24th minute.
The closest Woking came to the opener in the first 30 minutes was initiated by Boxall’s driving run down the left side in the 26th minute of play. His ball into the box was met first time by Ampah, but the volley was just wide of the right post.
The closest that City came to taking the advantage was in the 29th minute, with a quick move forward which resulted in the ball being turned in from close range. The offside flag, however, was the saving grace for the Cards, with the away side’s celebrations shortlived in the Surrey sun.
It was the home side that took the advantage, and it was certainly taken well. In the 36th minute, Boyle did incredibly well to keep the ball in the box, turning and taking on several men in his pursuit of goal. His shot across goal hit the inside of the side netting, with the brilliant individual effort putting the Cards in front.
City didn’t let their heads drop and attempted to strike back before half-time. A 41st-minute shot connected well from range, but it was straight at Honey, who did well to hold onto the ball and take the power out of the effort.
In the final stages of the first 45, both teams had strong chances to change the scoreline heading into half-time. In the 43rd minute, Boxall capitalised on a poor touch from the City defence and found Smith out wide. The low delivery from Smith, however, was defended well by City, who went on to create one more big chance of the half.
The 45th-minute shot from range was powered towards the bottom left corner but went just wide of the post, which Honey had got across to, and had done well to cover off the threat, which left the story of the first half unchanged.
Half-time: Woking 1 – 0 Oxford City
Oxford City started the second half as the stronger side, with play being rooted in
Woking’s half, but no breakthrough could be found by the away side, and their competitors were able to grow back into the game.
In the 55th minute, Boyle and Lewis linked up well on the right side, as they so often do, but this time Boyle’s delivery was too close to the keeper, and City eliminated the threat.
Involved again, Lewis went close in the 58th minute, with a burst forward which ended in a shot going just wide, once again the wrong side of the post for the Cards.
In the 69th minute, Lewis put a dangerous ball into the goalmouth, but City did well to defend, and the corner that resulted was also defended in a bid to keep the deficit at one.
The 75th minute presented another opportunity for the away side to get themselves level. A free-kick just outside the box was taken well, but, as with so many efforts in this game, the shot went just wide.
A free-kick midway into the City half followed for the Cards, with Young stood over the setpiece. The ball into the box looked promising, but no one was there to capitalise on the threat, and the ‘keeper was able to collect under limited pressure.
The offside flag featured again in the 85th minute, but this time it opposed the home side in a key move forward. Smith had released Kyle through the City defence, but the substitute's run was just too early, and the whistle was quickly blown to stop the move.
In the 90th minute, Woking showed that they were not content to see the game out, and were still searching for a doubled advantage. Mitchell drove into the box and got a strong effort away, but the ‘keeper did well to come
out and meet the shot and pushed the ball out for a corner. The corner kick was met by the head of Kyle, but his pursuit of goal was unsuccessful.
In the end, it was City who were able to capitalise in the closing stages, with a goal in injury time earning them a late point. A shot across the goal hit the inside of the far post in the 93rd minute, and the prospect of 3 points for the Cards quickly disappeared.
On the whistle, the points were shared in a strong showing from the young Cards, with the win having just escaped them.
Academy Manager Matt Winter reflected on the game, stating: “When we get to the 93rd minute and we're 1-0 up, you don’t think you’re there, but you know how close you are. Unfortunately, that’s probably where we are as a team at the minute, that we’re just not quite able to get over the line, but again the performance was good.”
In reference to Boyle’s performance, both defensively and going forward, he stated: “Louie was excellent, he took his goal so well. He showed the tenaciousness that he has, and the athletic ability to get himself forward. I think he maybe lost the ball a couple of times, won it back a couple of times, and showed real composure with the finish [...] That’s the other side of his game.”
Woking Lineup: Bob Honey, Louie Boyle, Ryan Scott, Jermaine Junior Young, Tom Gardner ©, Aidy Silverstein, Jack Lewis (Stanley Kyle 77’), Leo Christophers, Jojo Ampah (Ben Mitchell 67’), Lucas Boxall (Henry McDonald 87’), Jayden Smith (Sam Brittain 87’). Unused substitute: James Orton.
Goal: Louie Boyle 36’.
THURSDAY 10TH APRIL
East Grinstead Town U18 1 - 3 Woking U18; Isthmian League – Central Division
Vistavis Community Stadium, East Court College Lane, East Grinstead
Woking went into the final game of the Central Division season knowing they would finish 4th of the 8 teams in the division, so the emphasis could be on finishing the season well, although this was a more difficult game than may have been expected against the league’s bottom side.
On a rather uneven surface it took both teams ten minutes to settle, and then it was Woking’s midfield engine of Will Ledbury and Amario Malhotra who put the games’ first good passing move together.
The opening goal came on 15 minutes, Malhotra’s corner picking out the run of Jack Tricker, arriving unmarked to meet the ball on the bounce and guiding it home with his right foot from six yards. Tricker enjoying goals on consecutive days, having stepped up from the subs bench after Brian Rai was delayed on his journey.
Woking were now enjoying more of the play, their excellent passing notable, and control of the game good, with the hosts restricted to half-chances at best.
The Cards doubled their lead on 35 minutes, Hayden Vally fouled as he dribbled near the byline in the penalty area, and converting the penalty himself, a firm and accurate hit to Lewis Nason’s bottom right hand corner.
Further Woking half-chances came, although Jools Lacey was called on to make a good save from Freddie Walton, after a fine through ball from Kian Price.
Half-time: East Grinstead Town 0 – 2 Woking
Woking seemed to be continuing in control in the early exchanges of the second-half, but East Grinstead were back in the game on 55 minutes. Mason Saunders winning a penalty in a tussle with Ollie Rigby, and scoring it himself, sending Lacey the wrong way.
Tricker and Zack Rhioui both hit the side netting for Woking, whilst Town were growing in confidence, and Lacey was forced into a difficult save by Evan Newman, with a great effort from 30 yards.
The introduction of Louie Boyle (one day shy of his 17th birthday) on the hour mark, on the right side of the attack, regained the initiative for Woking. Boyle’s running with the ball is a real threat, and Town would later pay him the compliment of two crunching challenges to thank him for his efforts.
East Grinstead did still carry a threat, but so did Woking, and Vally had a shot well saved on 69 minutes. It felt like either side could get the next goal, and it wasn’t until the 88th minute that Woking sealed the victory.
Ledbury’s shot was deflected for a corner, which Malhotra took short to Boyle, whose cross was headed down by Rigby for Vally to turn and knock home from six yards – a very well executed corner routine, rightly celebrated.
Town were still not out of it, having one move pulled back before the ball found its way into
the net, and a great run and shot by Finley McIntyre well saved by Lacey diving to his left.
This ended up being a hard-fought win for Woking, but there are a plenty of positives to reflect on in the summer and carry forwards to next season.
East Grinstead Town: Lewis Nason, Harvey Russell, Tyler Grant ©, Charlie Kyle, Luke Deighton, Freddie Dean (Finley Wigmore 65), Kian Price (Leyton Brightwell-Douce 81), Ben Lazenby (Reece Brightwell-Douce 65), Freddie Walton (Finley McIntyre 65), Evan Newman, Mason Saunders. Unused sub: Charlie Bailey.
Goal: Saunders 55 (pen).
Woking: Jools Lacey, Max Goldsworthy, Ollie Rigby (Mason Drew 90+1), Thomas Ward, Zack Rhioui (Louie Boyle 60), Amario Malhotra ©, Will Ledbury (Frankie Bushby 90+1), Joe Frawley, Jojo Ampah (Tyrell Ejakita 79), Hayden Vally, Jack Tricker (Brian Rai 68).
Goals: Tricker 15, Vally 35 (pen), 88.
Referee: Matthew James
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
TUESDAY 8TH APRIL
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Played the first 86 minutes of the 1 – 1 draw against Tooting & Mitcham United in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year –Camberley Town: Played the full game in the 1 –1 draw against Tooting & Mitcham United in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
SATURDAY 12TH APRIL
Sam Brittain, Midfield, 2nd year – Virginia Water: Played the full game in the 3 – 2 victory over Milton United in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division North (Step 5). Milton United made it 2 –2 after 90+3 minutes, and the winner came on 90+6 minutes.
Oliver Mason, Central Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: Came on as a 56th minute substitute in the 6 – 0 victory over Westfield in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Aidy Silverstein, Central Defender, 2nd year – Blackfield & Langley: Played the full game in the 2 – 3 defeat at Hythe & Dibden in the Wessex League – Premier Division (Step 5). Unfortunately, Downton’s win during the week had already confirmed Blackfield’s relegation.
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 1 - 3 defeat at Horley Town in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5). Sandhurst Town are still vulnerable to relegation with the final round of games on Saturday 19th April required to clarify the situation.
WOkING FC A l DERSHOt tOWN FC
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
MANAGER: TOMMY WIDDRINGTON
JORDI VAN STAPPERSHOEF
OLLIE HARFIELD
LUKE JENKINS
CHRISTIAN MAGHOMA
THEO WIDDRINGTON
CAMERON HARGREAVES
TYLER FROST
KAI CORBETT
JOSH BARRETT
RYAN JONES
KEANE ANDERSON
OLLIE BRAY
AARON JONES
OLLY SCOTT
BRAD DOLAGHAN
ASHLEY AKPAN
JACK BARHAM
HADY GHANDOUR
MAXWELL MULLINS
JAMES HENRY
MARCUS DEWHURST
JOE LEWIS-EVANS
FREDDIE STANLEY
EMMANUEL MAJA
LUCA WOODHOUSE
DEJAN TETEK
DAN ELLISON
WILL ARMITAGE
TARIQ UWAKWE
LEVI LAING
KWAME THOMAS
ZION NDITI
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EASTLEIGH
26TH APRIL | 12:30
