meet the committee
Our team are all committed to support and nurturing grass roots talent in football and we welcome you find out more about us.
CLUB CHAIRMAN
Name: Aaron Puleston
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How long have you been involved with Hatfield Youth?
I joined Hatfield Youth FC as an Under 10 in 1995. I have played for the club every season since then, throughout the youth age groups and then part of the first mens team. I am still playing now and have no intention to stop.
How long have you been part of the committee?
I joined the Committee in November 2019 but with Covid coming, I wasn’t active until March 2021.
What does your current committee role involve?
I am the driving force behind the club rebuild. This includes everything from rebranding, negotiating sponsorship deals and player recruitment. It is hard to believe just how much we have achieved since I said things needed to change in July 2021. Since then we have added Jon Stock to the committee, who has proved invaluable, got 5 sponsors on board, have BGKT delivering professional training sessions, rebranded, new website and much more.
Why do you do it?
I have spoken to many past players in the first month or so of the changes and every bit of feedback is, I loved that club, Alan and Julie Lancaster were amazing and the positive feedback goes on. That to me is people who were children whose lives were positively effected by the club. How could we let the club fade away? I also want to build something to be proud of, it is for me a personal project but with a team supporting the same vision. Following our first training sessions, I received texts from parents saying how much the kids enjoyed it and cant wait to come back. This makes it all worth it!
How do you see the future of the club
I am not going to share all my plans as I am very ambitious with the club but also understand it needs to be one step at a time. We will 100% keep the club principles of being a community club that is open to any child of any ability. Along with this I plan on being able to be competitive and win, that is hard to do when the door is open to all. What is most likely going to hold us back is the amount of volunteers we get but that is my job to make sure people feel appreciated, valued and wanting to give up some time for the project. What will affect me the most is the inevitable of when someone leaves the club, I will feel like I didn’t meet the requirements they had and would need to address that.
CLUB SECRETARY
Name: Sandra Puleston
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Name: Sandra Puleston
Role: Club Secretary
How long have you been involved with Hatfield Youth?
26 years
How long have you been part of the committee?
Approximately 20 years
What does your current committee role involve?
Dealing with the FA, chasing outstanding finances and dealing with fixture confirmation. I am also the men’s Team Secretary so attend meetings on behalf of manager Curtis Warner
Why do you do it?
For the kids. I have seen so many come through the club and it is amazing to know we make a difference. My granddaughter and other family members have also played for the club. I still enjoy watching my son play even after 26 years so have always had a reason to stay.
How do you see the future of the club
Hopefully going back to what we used to be, offering football to hundreds of kids.
CHILD WELFARE OFFICER
Name: Emma Johnson
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How long have you been involved with Hatfield Youth?
Around 6 years
How long have you been part of the committee?
3 or 4 years
What does your current committee role involve?
Most of my role is away from the frontline but still integral to the club. Child Welfare is something we expect the highest standards of, so I need to make sure as a club we go above and beyond in this area. This could include sorting DBS checks or speaking with people if they have any concerns. Once the initial restart of the club has settled I will also deal with managing the process to make us a Charter Standard Club again. I also put together the clubs Covid plan and procedures which was more relevant when football was restarting in the midst of things.
Why do you do it?
I do it as I care for the future of sport in the local community and giving every child the opportunity to play grassroots football
How do you see the future of the club
I hope to see a repeat of history, where names go through the club and we grow as part of the community. I also hope for the future of the club to continue its long standing and to become a household name again.
CLUB TREASURER
Name: Julie Lancaster
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How long have you been involved with Hatfield Youth?
Since May 17th 1993
How long have you been part of the committee?
Since May 17th 1993
What does your current committee role involve?
Maintaining the club accounts and general administrative duties
Why do you do it?
To see children happy
How do you see the future of the club
I feel it is re-finding itself with new blood and enthusiasm
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Name: Mark Monte-Colombo
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How long have you been involved with Hatfield Youth?
How long have you been part of the committee?
What does your current committee role involve?
Why do you do it?
How do you see the future of the club