10/02/2026
π‘π’ THE ALAN LANCASTER ARENA π’π‘
Our history is as important as our future. We recently unveiled our brand new, inflatable football pitch that will allow our members to accelerate development. With a focus on the future 3vs3 format, we took this opportunity to pay homage to our past and to one of our Founders and late Chairman Alan Lancaster.
Nearly every child in Hatfield who played football between 1995 and 2015, would have come across Alan and will testify to his passion for kids football.
We welcomed our two longest serving Committee members, Julie Lancaster and Sandra Puleston along with current Chairman, Aaron Puleston and current head of Kick Starters, Johnny Shearer to officially open the pitch. Our Kick Starter group went on to enjoy an in-house tournament, where the winners won The Alan Lancaster Cup.
We will never forget our roots, never forget the journey we have had but now is about building for the future. We are the first club in Hertfordshire and one of the first in the country to have our own inflatable pitch. So why is that so significant;
π‘ Ball is in play more
π’ More touches of the ball
π‘ Fast paced environment
π’ Constant involvement
π‘ Plenty of goals = plenty of smiles
The ball stays in play for at least 90% more than a match on a white lined or coned pitch. This in turn increases touches of the ball significantly. When the ball bounces back from the side, players are getting extra chances to control. The game isn't stop/start, so it is fast paced. As only 3 a side, all players are constantly involved. With the size of the pitch being smaller and no goal keepers, most teams always score and that creates happy children!
We can already see just how much this will develop our players, exciting us for the future.
We are looking to add to this age, so if aged 4-6 and interested in learning more, reach out to the club that is the most advanced in the local area, your child will appreciate it.
A huge thanks to .c_.media for the photos on the day and to and @32.clean for sponsoring the teams and event.