HARPENDEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
“Ashridge
—
Danny Richman (Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire)
ONE TEAM. ONE TOWN.
Harpenden Town Football Club is a proud semi-professional club with a rich history spanning 130 years. Across all our teams, we strive to compete at the highest levels of football, reflecting our commitment to excellence on and off the pitch.
We take pride in being one of the most professional semi-professional clubs, continually working to honor our remarkable legacy within the town while building a community that Harpenden can be proud of.
Our players wear the GREEN & GOLD shirt with pride, embodying the passion and dedication that defines this incredible game. We would love for you to join us on this amazing journey as we continue making history and pushing the club to achieve even greater heights.
Together, let’s build a future that celebrates our past and inspires the next generation. ONE TEAM ONE TOWN
HARPENDEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB WAS FOUNDED IN 1891.
1891 Harpenden Football Club was founded. �1908 The club became Harpenden Town Football Club (HTFC), reflecting its growing role in the community.
Our Ethos
At HTFC, our core mission is simple yet powerful: “Support Local.” We strive to be inclusive, to foster a sense of community pride, and to provide teams that represents the very best of Harpenden.
Together, we aim to grow and develop, both on and off the pitch.
As more residents of Harpenden connect with HTFC than ever before, we are committed to becoming an integral part of the town’s identity-embodied in our motto: #OneTeamOneTown
Looking Ahead
We are dedicated to building lasting partnerships with local businesses and continuing our club’s rich tradition within the heart of Harpenden. Together, we can ensure HTFC remains a thriving, community-focused institution for generations to come.
A Little more about us
Harpenden Town FC started lifecCompeting in the Mid-Herts and Herts County Leagues, the club achieved notable success, winning the Mid-Herts League multiple times. The name was changed to Harpenden Town in 1908 to reflect the growing stature of the club.
In 1957, HTFC joined the South Midlands League, claiming the Premier Division title in both 1962 and 1965. Further glory followed in 1968 with triumphs in the Herts Charity Shield and the South Midlands League Shield. The club experienced significant development in the 1990-91 season, marked by the
As more residents of Harpenden connect with HTFC than ever before, we are committed to becoming an integral part of the town’s identityembodied in our motto: #OneTeamOneTown
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construction of the Centenary Stand and the installation of floodlights. Entry into the FA Cup was achieved in 1998, and the club has since been a regular contender in the FA Vase. After a challenging period that included relegations in 2000 and 2005, a new committee took charge at the start of the 2006/07 season. Their first major step was securing the Football Association’s Charter Standard Accreditation, ensuring proper structures and governance.
The club also strengthened ties with Harpenden Colts, establishing a pathway for local young players from under-7s to senior football.
This community-focused approach yielded swift rewards, with HTFC named Herts FA Charter Standard Club of the Year within a year. Initiatives included hosting anti-racism events, adult seven-a-side competitions, free coaching for schools and junior teams, and the development of women’s football.
In 2015, the club secured £100,000 in funding to refurbish its facilities, boosting its profile and impact in the local area. Under manager Danny Plumb, HTFC gained promotion to the Premier Division in 2016-17, followed by a third-place finish and a League Cup win in the next season.
In recent years, the club has solidified its position in the Spartan South Midlands Premier League under the leadership of
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head coach Micky Nathan. During its 130th anniversary in 2021, HTFC upgraded to energy-efficient LED floodlights. In 2023, a major milestone was reached with the installation of an artificial grass playing surface, thanks to funding from the Football Foundation and partnerships with Harpenden Town Council and Harpenden Colts. This transformation has made the ground a central hub for the community, attracting new supporters and users.
Looking ahead, the club is focused on enhancing off-pitch facilities and achieving higher levels of competitive football for both men’s and women’s teams. The 2023-24 season highlighted the club’s potential, with both first teams achieving their highest-ever league finishes and narrowly missing out on promotion.
Harpenden Town Football Club continues to grow as a vital part of the community, combining strong traditions with a forwardthinking vision. ONE TEAM ONE TOWN
Harpenden Town Football Club continues to grow as a vital part of the community, combining strong traditions with a forward-thinking vision. ONE TEAM ONE TOWN
1 ST TEAM
They say time flies when you’re having fun and what a journey it has been so far! It’s been an absolute privilege to serve as the first-team manager of this incredible football club for the past five years. Over this time, I’ve witnessed not just the growth and maturity of the first-team players but the evolution of the club as a whole. When I started, our average crowd consisted of about 35 people—and a few loyal dogs.
Yesterday is HISTORY. Tomorrow is a MYSTERY Today is a GIFT so let’s enjoy it.
Fast forward to last season, and we played in a playoff semifinal with over 1,000 supporters cheering us on. That kind of progress is an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.
The difference between the club then and now is like night and day. Today, Harpenden Town is a place players and fans want to be a club they’re proud to associate with. From day one, the goal has been to take this club to
a level it has never reached before, and that vision remains unchanged.
Building the right management team was critical surrounding myself with people who shared that same ambition. The next step was assembling a squad of players who believed in the project and wanted to be part of something special. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for a bright and exciting future.
The ride has been incredible so far, but there’s still so much more to achieve. Here’s to continuing the journey, breaking barriers, and reaching new heights for this amazing football club!
Every year we have progressed and improved, player retention is still so high, I have players still playing for me after 5 years and I for one and extremely grateful to them all. Seen them mature into great players, great mates and more importantly great human beings. The ceiling of this football club is so high, everyone associated should be extremely proud of themselves for everything they have done. The committee, bar staff, volunteers, players, coaches and most importantly the fans, without you the club is nothing so from the bottom of my heart I say thank you and keep getting behind the players, young and old.
There is a very bright future at Harpenden Town FC, and I can’t wait to see what it holds.
1 st Team Manager
Micky Nathan
Assistant Manager
Lee Hawkes
Coach/Assistant
Ryan Haggar
GK Coach/Assistant Manager
Peter Russell
WOMEN’S
Harpenden Town started with their first ever Women’s team Season 2022-23. This had been a long-term dream of the Club especially with the growth of the Women’s game with the Lionesses winning the Euro’s.
When the team started, they were playing at Step 7 and they played in the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Women’s Football League. All home matches being played on a Sunday afternoon giving Rothamsted Park football
all weekend. The team was built from players from various teams all excited at the prospect of a new beginning in Harpenden. The Women had a very good Season and narrowly missed out on the top spot of the Premier Division by 4 points and being tied on points with the second-place team.
The Team had made an application to take a promotion to Eastern Region Women’s League where they would be playing Step 6.
We thought this would not happen as they came third, however they were offered the spot and took the promotion to play in the North Division. This was going to mean a lot of commitment as the travel was far greater. The Club took on a New Manager, Jordan Williams was appointed with his assistant Samik Ahmed, Jack Chantrey continued following his sterling job in the previous Season.
The Women had yet another great Season playing in the League, this time they missed out on a second promotion by just 2 points. This was frustrating as we had the top goal scorer in the Division, Sophia Amanor scoring a stunning 51 goals and taking the record for top scorer at the Club. In this same Season the team made it through to the first-round proper of the Women’s FA Cup and was knocked out by higher level Luton by just 0-3.
A fantastic run for all and great for the Club.
To the current Season, Jordan has appointed another coach to the team Ali Abdulkadir who has settled like he has always been there. The team had seen a few changes, success from the previous Season meant we had a good show at trials.
We are now 11 games into the Season, we have won 10 games and drawn 1. This has
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currently put the team in a strong position, however there is a long way to go, and we cannot sit back at any point. We sadly got knocked out of the FA Cup in an early round, the match went to penalties and that was that.
We are in the League Cup; we await our next opposition and hope we can pull a result from this. The County Cup we were knocked out in a close 2-1 match against Stevenage 1st’s who play Step 5.
The plan is to keep developing the team and work to get the team to National Level.
If they keep doing what they are doing now, the dream will happen.
1 st Team Manager
Micky Nathan
Women 1 st Team Manager
Jordan Williams
Coach
Jordan Williams Management Team
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HARPENDEN TOWN DEVELOPMENT
Over the past 2 years Harpenden Town Development has undergone an impressive transformation under the new management team. We are second in the Herts Senior County Division 1, unbeaten in the league, with the best defensive record across all divisions, and a genuine hope of winning silverware.
From the start, our goal was not simply to win matches. We wanted to build a philosophy of football that would allow the team to dominate games, both with and without the ball. It wasn’t just about assembling a squad- we needed to create a system, and an ethos that could shape individual players into a collective force.
Our philosophy hinges on clarity and intent. On the ball, our patterns of play are designed to build quickly and precisely through the
thirds, always with an eye on controlling the game. Off the ball, every player is tasked with pressing high and winning possession early, using transitions as springboards to attack. Each player has a defined role, and every role is indispensable.
Training reflects this philosophy. Sessions are heavily technical and tactical, enabling players to understand and thrive in the system. But we go beyond football. Development is about preparing individuals for challenges
both on and off the pitch. The qualities that make great footballers- discipline, resilience, adaptability and character- are invaluable life skills. This approach has borne fruit in ways that go far beyond the league table. Our commitment to nurturing young talent acros the club has seen players emerge from the U18s to make over 100 combined appearances in senior football in just two years.
We believe that we have turned the Devs into more than just a stepping stone. The team is
now a proving ground, preparing players for the demands of Step 5 first-team football while also equipping them with the tools to succeed in life beyond sport.
But the real triumph is this: the Devs are no longer just a group of individuals with an eye on the next step. We are a team- a collective that plays with purpose, passion, and pride. This journey has been one of evolution, unity, and belief, and it’s only just beginning.
Management Team
Manager
Matthew Evans
Assistant Manager
Ryan Spencer
Coach/Assistant
Daniel Marjanovic
UNDER 18’SHOW WE GOT HERE
The current U18 side finally came home to HTFC for the Season 2022 – 2023 as an U16 squad, becoming Harpenden Town’s first Eastern Junior Alliance side. With
management and coaching eyes firmly on the coming transition into adult football, in a major coup, the team managed to secure the services of Wealdstone first team coach Kenny Mutsanya, and with that came an emphasis on preparing the players for the difficult next steps into adult football.
From Under 11 onwards, the players were among the first grassroots teams to benefit from training twice a week in 90
minute sessions with professional coaches. Fitness, technical improvement and tactical awareness were key development areas. The management team ensured that team and player targets were in place, and challenged each player to get the best out of themselves. One of our proudest achievements is that the squad has remained largely intact throughout the years, with the ebbs and flows in form, development and growth handled always with the player in mind.
In the years preceding the move to HTFC, the team had enjoyed significant success, regularly competing for league titles and appearing in finals. But nothing prepared them for their inaugural year at HTFC, which couldn’t have been any better for the young Harps. Pushed to their limits by the coaching team, and following on from previous years’ successes, the players strived to make the first season one to remember. A hard campaign against the some of the strongest youth teams around was ultimately rewarded with 2 cup final wins (including the County Cup), and a league title, beating a very strong Hertford Town FC side, in their own backyard, 6-1 to clinch the title from them.
Season 2023 – 2024, saw the players challenged with a move into U18 football, which as a squad of U17’s was always going to be difficult. In addition to Eastern Junior Alliance football, the team were also the second Harpenden side entered into the Southern Counties U18 Floodlit league. Just before the season started, the squad lost 3 players to Step 5 football teams. Having always kept a small squad, this was a brutal blow, which led to numerous games with only a bare 11 squad. Despite these unforeseen challenges, the players equipped themselves well and finished the season strong, particularly in the Southern Counties Floodlit
league finishing second in their division. In addition to this, the squad narrowly lost in the EJA cup final to Wingate & Finchley U18’s.
Our current and last season in youth football continues into the 2024 – 2025 season. For the first time, the squad is based out of its Rothamsted home and enjoying the benefits of the support from the local community and club, who have been treated to some aggressive, front foot football, enjoying nearly 80 goals across just 12 fixtures so far. Significant milestones have already been achieved this season, with the clubs best ever FA Youth Cup run achieved, and the impressive scalps of both Chelmsford City Academy and Southend Academy taken, the players have been impressing.
The future looks bright for the U18 Harps
With the journey in youth football reaching its conclusion at the season end, HTFC management are already seeking to make the most of this talented group. 5 current players have had Step 5 games, with 4 of those doing so at Harpenden Town. 3 current players have also had Step 3 experience, with a further 5 players featuring in the hugely successful development team. The future does indeed look bright for those wearing the green & gold.
The future looks bright for the U18 Harps
U18’s Team Manager Stuart Cottingham
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UNDER 13’S ROOTED IN HARPENDEN
The vast majority of the boys in the Harpenden Town U13 Boys squad have been playing together since they were 7 years old when they started their football journey with Harpenden Colts on the muddy playing fields
of Wood End primary school. At that time, they were part of a group of 80 boys and parents all getting to know each other and learning about the workings of grassroots football.
Over time, we identified those boys capable of playing at the upper end of the group and trained them together. We have been very lucky to have a group of extremely dedicated parents coaches as well as massively supportive parents.
We are in the League Cup; we await our next opposition and hope we can pull a result from this.
U13’s Team Manager
Jon Wood
Last season saw 5 years of hard work and steady improvement culminate in Harpenden Colts U12 Orange finishing joint top of Division 1 in the West Herts Youth League and reaching the Cup Final as well. Whilst we lost the cup final and league play off, the behaviour of the boys and their support for each other on both occasions was as good as any trophy.
Recent achievements
One of our best on-pitch memories was winning the U11 Horizon Summer Tournament in St Albans. It was particularly sweet as it came after a series of final losses in various tournaments over a number of years. But as is their way, the boys had continued pushing themselves and eventually got their reward with a first trophy in a tournament featuring many of the very best teams in our region.
Our first
season in the EJA
Harpenden Town U13s are currently enjoying our first season in the highly competitive Eastern Junior Alliance. In early 2024 we sat down as a group to discuss the options for the future and there was immediate agreement amongst the parents that we should embrace a new adventure. Different teams and new venues after years of the same opposition every week.
We were extremely fortunate to be offered the opportunity to join the growing Harpenden Town family. A huge thank you to our sponsor TJ Fire for their very generous support.
Progression opportunities
The boys clearly feel a huge sense of pride now being able to say that they play for Harpenden Town. They particularly loved walking out with the 1st team for the men’s FA
cup match wearing the same green and gold kit. A number of the current Men’s 1st team played for Harpenden Colts in their youth and we hope that in the future, some of our boys can do the same.
It’s great to be part of such an ambitious club and for the boys to see such a clear pathway to high level adult football.
A huge thank you to our sponsor TJ Fire for their very generous support.
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UNDER 15’S ROOTED IN HARPENDEN
Harpenden Town Under 15s play in the Eastern Junior Alliance (EJA), which is the highest level of Sunday football in the South-East of England, outside professional club academies.
All EJA teams are connected to leading non-league teams, rather than operating as traditional youth set-ups, though we are proud of our heritage and continuing connections with Harpenden Colts.
Each EJA age group (from U13s to U18s) comprises around 70 teams and is split regionally by Section - Harpenden Town is in the Brown Section alongside teams such as Dunstable Town, Welwyn Garden City, Colney Heath, Ware FC and Hemel Town.
Harpenden Town Under 15s play in the Eastern Junior Alliance (EJA), which is the highest level of Sunday football in the South-East of England
U15’s Team Manager Ben McDonald
Rooted in Harpenden
The Harpenden Town U15s EJA squad is a result of Harpenden Town and Harpenden Colts working together to provide a more challenging level of football for boys in Harpenden. Harpenden Colts is one of the largest youth grassroots football clubs in the country.
Most of the current squad came through the ranks at Harpenden Colts, many from as young as age 6 or 7. We are proud that Harpenden Town EJA provides an opportunity to players excelling at Harpenden Colts and we were pleased to welcome Alfie Davies into the squad (from Harpenden Colts) in June this year. We are also grateful to Colts for their support with training venues, equipment etc.
Recent achievements
The current Under 15s enjoyed great success in the West Herts Youth League as Harpenden Colts, winning the Senior League Cup at Under 12s before becoming League Champions and winning the Challenge Cup at Under 13s.
In 2023-24 we became the first team to progress from Harpenden Colts through to Harpenden Town EJA, followed quickly by this year’s Under 13s.
A strong first season
The 2023-24 season was a step into the unknown, but the squad competed very well, finishing second in the Red Section with just a single league defeat (the last game, which didn’t affect placings!).
Our coaches and philosophy
Our squad is managed by Ben McDonald, who led the Lions since inception as U8s. He is assisted by Simon Foster, a former captain of
Harpenden Town, and Keith Snaylam, who is a PE teacher at one of the Harpenden schools. All three of their sons are part of the squad.
Matchday experience
The EJA requires matches to be played at venues with changing rooms and catering facilities, so we are very fortunate to play our home games on the first team pitch at Rothamsted Park. The higher level of professionalism also requires additional kit, including club tracksuits and
training gear. We are grateful to our sponsors TJ Fire and CK Plumbers, who help to meet some of the additional costs.
Progression opportunities Playing
at the EJA level attracts interest from professional clubs. In the last 15 months we have seen numerous players invited for eight-week trials at Academies, and we were proud when Chris Higgins secured an initial six-month contract, followed by a full two-year deal, with Watford FC.
What’s next
This summer we freshened up the squad with a small number of new players, who have brought energy, commitment and quality to the group. At time of writing we sit 5th in the Brown Section, are in last 16 of the EJA League Cup and the semi-final of the Herts County Cup. Our vision is to create opportunities for players to progress to the Harpenden Town development and First Team squads, completing their journey from Harpenden
Colts youngsters to senior footballers proud to wear the famous green and gold.
Our vision is to create opportunities for players to progress to the Harpenden Town development and 1 st Team squads
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NEWSERVICES
HARPENDEN TOWN WOMEN’S COLTS
This is the first season for the new joint venture between Harpenden Town and Harpenden Colts to create a new Women’s Development squad and pathway to adult football.
We have a squad of about 30 girls and have got off to a flying start. Sitting third in the league we are the leagues top scorers with 34 goals in 7 games and a +19 GD. In total we have scored 46 in 10 games including cups.
Manager
Keiron Smylie, Chris Renwick and Jes Reilly
Additional help Andrew Head Admin support Andy Smylie
Top scorers are Charley Watt on 13 and Jess Curtis on 8.
Highlight of the season so far was a comfortable 3-0 win v Letchworth (a divn higher) in the County Cup meaning we go against Stevenage Development, from the Eastern Region League, Division 1 North, in the Quarter finals in January.
We have already had three players from the Development squad represent the first team, notably with Jess Curtis scoring in the first game of the season against Thetford to help secure an important 2-1 win.
We have established a great working relationship across the club with Jordan and and Michelle, training together and encouraging the girls to push for 1st team places as they develop / mature / improve.
We have been working with Harpenden Colts U16 and U15 squad leads and there are some exceptional players who we look forward to welcoming as they turn 16.
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The facility was developed in partnership with Harpenden Colts and Harpenden Town Council, creating a vital resource for the community and a place where we can continue our proud 130-year legacy, ensuring we remain here for another 130 years and beyond. This project has also given us the momentum to reach new heights. As we begin planning for the 2025/26 season, we are dedicated to pushing
the club forward through the ongoing upgrade and expansion of our ground, enhancing the match-day experience for our growing base of supporters. Improvements to the clubhouse are a key priority, transforming it into a space that serves both the Harpenden community and visiting teams while offering supporters a more enjoyable match-day experience. We are working hard alongside our incredible sponsors and are always on the lookout for new partners to join us on this exciting journey.
In Sept 2023, we opened our new facilities, a 3G pitch & new stands for our growing fanbase
SPONSORSHIP OPPOTUINITIES
Tracksuit Sponsorship
■ Multi-Season Sponsorship of Tracksuits for both the Men’s and Women’s 1st Teams
■ Additional options available for the Reserves and Youth teams
■ Tracksuits worn for travel to and from all games and post-match
■ Feature on redesigned HTFC Website
■ Presence across all HTFC social media
■ Package to include 2 x Perimeter Boards
Training Kit Sponsorship
■ Multi-Season Training Kit Partnership for both Mens and Womens 1st Teams
■ Additional opportunities for reserves and youth teams
■ Logo on all training shirts
■ Feature on redesigned HTFC Website
■ Presence on all HTFC Social Platforms
■ Package to include 2 x Perimeter Boards
Perimeter Boards
■ Perimeter Boards available for all games played at Rothamsted
■ Locations available in all corners of the ground
■ Standard Size is 8 x 4 – but other sizes are available
■ Multi Season agreement with payment due at the beginning of each season
Amenbury Lane
Harpenden AL5 2EF
www.harpendentownfc.com Chairman | Roman Motyczak 07971 026749
RomanMotyczak@gmail.com
Chairs | David Russell + Michelle Chandler
djrussell001@gmail.com
harpendentownwomensfc@gmail.com Club Secretary | John Gibbon 07970 433601
johngibbons53@yahoo.com
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