Woking Football Club Limited is a private company limited by shares registered in England, company number 03329172. Material shareholders holding in excess of 10% of the Ordinary shares of Woking Football Club Limited are currently Mr. Peter Jordan, who controls 46%, The Cardinals Supporters’ Society (Chairman Mr. Rupert Phillips) which controls 23% and Final Third Sport UK (Shareholding Directors Mr. Dwight Volpe and Mr John Katz) and which controls 14% of the voting rights in the Company.
George Burnett
Chief Operating Officer: Dave Curtis
Company Secretary: George Burnett
Honorary Vice President: Peter Jordan
Club Ambassador: Geoff Chapple
Business Development Director: Simon Jones
Accounts & Finance Manager: Pam Stevenson
Food & Beverage Manager: Evie Carey
Sales Administrator: Issac Allen-Harris
Media Lead: Jonnie Green
Safety Officer: Amelia Tyson
Ticketing & Operations Executive: Sheena Nichol
Shop Manager: Ben Cavey
Club Chaplain: Ian Nicholson
WELCoME
Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as we welcome Dagenham & Redbridge this Tuesday evening.
Firstly, I would like to extend the club’s sincere best wishes to Greg Olley, who suffered a broken leg on Saturday during our league match against Gateshead. I feel I speak for all the players, management, and fans of both teams when I say it was a devastating incident to witness, and the impact will be felt for a long time to come. We wish Greg all the best on his road to recovery, and the club will continue to offer its full support. Club owner Drewe Volpe released a statement yesterday, which you can view in full here.
Here we are, Match May 3, and our first “Laithwaite under the Lights”. With the sun set
to be shining, let’s fill the stands, get in full voice and support Michael and the lads, as they take on a strong Dagenham side. With 4 games in 10 days – they’re going to need their 12th man.
“Let’s fill the stands, get in full voice and support Michael and the lads, as they take on a strong Dagenham side. With 4 games in 10 days –they’re going to need their 12th man.”
AROUND THE GROUND
The club shop launched the retail home and away kit on Saturday – clearly a crowd-pleaser, with record numbers for a Day 1 launch. The Club also continue to work on a new online club shop, with the final touches being made so keep an eye out for more details soon.
The club shared its intention to move to a cashless venue a few weeks ago, with the gradual phasing out of cash now underway –the full statement can be viewed here.
We are currently working on a “cash-card” facility, aiming for this to be available by the end of the year, with more details to be shared in due course.
Commercially, the club continues a recordbreaking season We welcome our main brewery Molson Coors this evening as our Match Sponsor and added three new partners to the Woking Family last week. Lots of exciting announcements and initiatives coming out in the next few weeks, so watch this space!
As the Business Development Team continues to take shape, I am keen to hear from fans with any feedback (good or bad!), ideas or inspirations – drop me a note at simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk
MANAGER MICHAEL DoYLE
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 V DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
Vanarama National League
Tuesday 20th August 2024
19:45 Kick-Off
Woking will aim to put their first points on the board on Tuesday night when they host familiar foes Dagenham & Redbridge.
After Saturday’s defeat to Gateshead, Michael Doyle will hope for an improvement, particularly in attacking areas as the Cards are one of just three teams yet to score a goal in their opening two games.
This is the first Tuesday night under the Laithwaite lights, so make sure you get as many people as possible down to the ground to support the Cards!
OPPOSITION WATCH
midfielder Christian N’Guessan, formerly of Ebbsfleet, and of course Reece Grego-Cox from the Cards.
Although Grego-Cox is ineligible to feature, the Daggers will have enough firepower to fill their starting eleven and bench, as they aim to be the ones to watch this season.
AROUND THE GROUND
Tickets are available to purchase here.
Happy Hour is available in the Cardinals Bar and outdoor areas from 6pm to 7pm. Please remember the Laithwaite Community Stadium is now cashless.
LAST TIME OUT
Ben Strevens is entering his second full season in charge of the Daggers, and has aims and ambitions to build on a solid 15th placed finish, with hopes of gatecrashing the play-off picture this time around. A start featuring a win and a draw from their opening two games will go some way to realising that ambition should the form of their star man continue.
Dion Pereira, signed from Luton on loan after a successful spell last season, has scored twice in two games, and will no doubt prove a handful for the Woking defence on Tuesday night. He is one of twelve new additions, which include returning striker Junior Morias, on loan from Notts County,
Woking ran out 3-2 winners in their penultimate home game of 2023/24 thanks to goals from Jermaine Anderson, Kevin Berkoe and Jayden Luker, helping the Cards break the 50 point barrier and stave off their relegation fears.
Daggers loanee Grego-Cox was on target in the reverse fixture at Victoria Road back in October, but it was former Card Inih Effiong who stole the points for the Daggers in a 2-1 win.
In 27 games played between the sides, Woking have won nine, Dagenham have won eight, and there have been ten draws.
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.
PURCHASE TICKETS
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
So C IAL
COm ING S O ON
Kelly-Evans 14’ K. Richardson, 43' M. Beck, 79'
A team you can count on
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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.
4 Cian Harries
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
35. Max Dyche
27. Dion Kelly-Evans
Sponsor available
Sponsor
Sponsor available
Sponsor
Sponsored by
Sponsored
Sponsor available
11. Dennon Lewis
9. Charley Kendall
Rohan Ince
16. Tunji Akinola
10. Lewis Walker 14. Deon Moore
20. Josh Smith 23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Ian Hutton
Dan Rowe
Ben Turner
Michael Doyle
Malcolm Jobling
Thinesh
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
1. Elliot Justham
The Daggers captain joined us after being released by Luton at the end of the 2015/16 season.
The goalkeeper previously played for Waltham Forest, Leyton, Redbridge, Brentwood Town, East Thurrock United and Luton Town. He made his Football League debut for the Hatters at AFC Wimbledon in February 2014. He kept his place for the remainder of that season having been a regular on the bench during Town’s Conference title campaign the season prior.
5. Tom Eastman
Tom Eastman joined the Daggers following the expiry of his contract with Colchester United in 2023.
Standing at 6 ft 5, Eastman hasa wealth of experience in the EFL, spending twelve years with Colchester United which put him seventh in the all-time appearances for the Essex side. He also collected a club record four Player of the Year awards.
In his first season with the Daggers, Eastman featured 33 times, scoring four goals and won the Daggers fans’ Player of the Year.
Ben Strevens: Manager
Ben Strevens made his return to the Daggers as he was appointed as the successor to Daryl McMahon on the 10th of March 2023.
Strevens, made 125 appearances for the Daggers, scoring 35 goals as a player, and returns to the club following a rigorous interview process.
Ben, who was a part of the Daggers' 2006/07 Conference National promotion side, started his managerial career at Eastleigh.
In 2018, he went on to become the Manager of the Spitfires which featured an impressive 7th placed finish for the Hampshire club.
In his first full season in charge, Strevens guided the Daggers to a 15th-place finish.
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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.
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 Emirates FA Cup 4Q
Sat Oct 19 Tamworth
Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors
Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers
NOVEMBER
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
Sat Dec 7 Isuzu FA Trophy 3
Sat Dec 14 Gateshead
Sat Dec 21 Altrincham
Thu Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Wed Jan 1 Maidenhead United
Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town
Tue Jan 14 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 1 Rochdale
Sat Feb 8 York City
Sat Feb 15 Tamworth
Tue Feb 18 Solihull Moors
Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers
MARCH
Sat Mar 1 FC Halifax Town
Tue Mar 4 Southend United
Sat Mar 8 Boston United
Sat Mar 15 Barnet
Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone
Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town
APRIL
Sat Apr 5 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
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
JUNIOR CARDS
UPCOMING AWAY COACH TRAVEL
Supporters Coaches
Please note that this season we have changed U16 prices to U18 prices
Supporters Coach to Altrincham sold out, Thank you to those that travelled.
AWAY TRAVEL
Ebbsfleet United CLICK HERE (Almost sold out)
Rochdale AFC CLICK HERE
Braintree Town CLICK HERE
Please contact adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk for queries
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10! Please join up or renew here: CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAYS
Max Bowyer - 16th August - 1 year old
Alfie Matthews - 18th August - 14 years old
Joseph Creaven - 19th August - 10 years old
400 CLUB
The June draw has been made using a random Number Calculator, (see below). The winning numbers are:
£100 Number 18 Wendy Denty
£75 Number 253 Andrew Laithwaite
£50 Number 439 Not renewed
REDRAWN
£50 Number 311 Marcia Northcote
Congratulations to the winners. To take part, contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
www.cardstrust.co.uk
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
ACADEMY BULLETIN
A WINNING START TO THE SEASON FOR U21s
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 19th August 2024
MONDAY 19th AUGUST
19:45: South Park Reigate U18 v Woking U18
Isthmian Football League
Youth Central Division
King George’s Field, Whitehall Lane, South Park
THURSDAY 22nd AUGUST
19:30 - Woking U21 v Bromley U21
Suburban Football League – Premier Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy twitter page.
MATCH REPORT
Week commencing 12th August
FRIDAY 16th AUGUST
Cobham U21 0 - 3 Woking U21
Suburban Football League – Premier Division
Leg O’Mutton Field, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham
Last season saw Woking lose their first two Suburban League games, and also their first fixture against Cobham, so this was a very encouraging start against a team including a number from Cobham’s first team squad.
Woking fielded a familiar line-up featuring many of the players who won last season’s Isthmian Youth West Division, and the move for many of them in to their second year got off to the ideal start.
Woking could have been ahead after 2 minutes, Harvey Brook creating a chance for himself with excellent closing down of a defender, only to hit his shot too near to Mohammed Kanu in the Cobham goal.
Cobham also had an early chance, Louis Toussaint putting a free header over the bar.
Woking took the lead on 12 minutes, pressure from Stefan Van Wijngaarden prevented Kanu from gathering Brook’s low cross, with Henry MacDonald on hand to tap home from 6 yards.
Both Louis Pask and Brook forced good saves from Kanu, although this was an open game and Shemar Parkes let Woking off the hook when choosing to shoot rather than pass to a better placed colleague.
Cobham were stretching their younger opponents and Woking were grateful to Aidy Silverstein for an excellent covering challenge, and Mikey Verga for a number of fine saves. Indeed, better finishing would have seen Cobham score.
The pace and movement of Woking’s midfield was troubling Cobham and on 37 minutes Harry Lush felt the need to put in a ‘reducer’ on MacDonald, a rather cynical action, and one which saw the Woking player leave the field of play early in the second half as he was unable to run off the injury to his ankle.
As the first-half came to a close Woking continued to press forward and both Jermaine Junior Young and Sam Brittain threatened with shots from the edge of the area.
HALF-TIME: COBHAM 0 – 1 WOKING
The second-half saw both sides create chances, and it would be Woking with the real moments of quality that would go on to seal victory.
It wasn’t all plain-sailing, Silverstein cautioned on 65 minutes for pulling-back an opponent, perhaps guilty of over-playing as much as anything else.
On 67 minutes Young, who had been strong in midfield throughout, showed his quality from set pieces, a fine cross from a free-kick met by George Galea-Elston, evading his marker to head over the stranded goalkeeper to make it 0-2.
Woking’s third, on 75 minutes, was a move of much quality. Tommy Seale is known for his passing abilities, and the move began with his sublime turn and cross-field diagonal pass, Pask’s control and cross were of equal quality, and substitute Byron Mitchell timed his run to the far post superbly to side-foot home a neat finish.
A well-deserved win was topped off with a great double-save from Verga on 83 minutes. Cobham will rue their missed chances, whilst Woking anticipate what should be a tougher challenge from Bromley on Thursday.
Thanks to Cobham for their warm welcome and hospitality, a club to which I recommend a visit. We send them our best wishes for the season.
Cobham Starting XI: Mohammed Kanu, Shemar Parkes, Charlie Ansell, Joe Alyarez, Freddie Pritchett, Harry Lush, Thomas Kerbey, Idir Kermoud, Louis Toussaint, Jeremy Lashley, Raqueme Richardson. Subs: Dario Carvalho, Cameron Deighton, John Dempsey, Alan Klimkiewicz, Jeyaney Roberts, Malachi Webb, Mylo Stevens.
Woking: Mikey Verga, George Galea-Elston, Tom Gardner (c), Aidy Silverstein (Charlie Sweeney 83), Louis Pask (Jayden Smith 83), Tommy Seale, Henry MacDonald (Bobby Lawrence 59), Sam Brittain, Jermaine Junior Young, Stefan Van Wijngaarden, Harvey Brook (Byron Mitchell 68). Sub not used: Harry White (GK).
Ollie Mason, Centre Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: Unused sub in 2-1 defeat at Virginia Water.
Lui ‘Jamie Vardy’ Edwards, Forward, 3rd year – Westfield: Won the ‘man of the match’ award for scoring the second and third goals in 3 –1 win over Sherbourne Town in FA Cup Preliminary Round.
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd yearKnaphill: No game.
Bob Honey, Goalkeeper, 2nd year –Spelthorne Sports: No game.
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.
