29/05/2026
Hayling Youth FC, in collaboration with Hayling United FC are pleased to announce an exciting new step forward in the development of football on the island. As a senior club currently operating a First Team in the Hampshire Premier League Division One, alongside a Development Team, U23S, and U18S, Hayling United has been carefully mapping out a long-term vision to strengthen the pathway for local players.
Working alongside our UEFA B-licensed coaching team, we have agreed a collaborative partnership with Hayling Youth FC. This partnership will see both clubs continue to operate independently, preserving their identities and traditions, while joining forces to create a clear, structured progression route from Youth football to the Senior game.
At the heart of this initiative is a shared ambition: to provide young players on Hayling Island with a genuine opportunity to continue their football journey locally. Too often, talented players drift away from the area as they reach the end of youth football. By aligning our development structures, we aim to retain that talent, nurture it, and provide players with a visible pathway from the U18 level through to senior football.
This partnership is about more than just player progression—it’s about building a stronger football community. By working together, both clubs can create an environment that supports players, coaches, and families, while strengthening local pride and identity.
Some of the proposed ways this partnership could thrive, include joint training sessions and coaching workshops, allowing youth players to experience senior-level coaching and standards early and sharing best practices across the two clubs. There could be shared matchday experiences where youth players are invited to take part in senior fixtures, fostering inspiration and connection. We also see opportunities for mentoring, with senior players supporting the younger age groups.
In addition, as this partnership develops, the clubs could collaborate on community events such as end-of-season awards, tournaments, and open days, bringing together players and supporters of all ages.
Our joint aim is to introduce a structured transition programme for U18 players, ensuring that as they approach the end of youth football, they are gradually integrated into Development and U23 squads. This will provide continuity, confidence, and a clear next step in their football journey. This season alone, we have already integrated several U18’s into our First Team, Development and U23 teams.
Ultimately, this partnership is about creating something lasting for the Hayling community—a footballing ecosystem where players can start, develop, and thrive without needing to leave the island. By working together, Hayling United FC and Hayling Youth FC can build a future that benefits everyone involved in the local game.
We look forward to engaging further with players, parents, supporters our stakeholders and the local community, as we take this exciting step forward together.
Hayling United Football Club & Hayling Youth Football Club
