Things have been going well for Herne Bay Football Club’s Youth teams with the best season for a long while and things look equally promising for the next campaign. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in these achievements.

2023/2024

CHAMPIONS The Under 15s have won the Kent Youth League Under 15s East with one game left to play. They are eight points ahead of second-placed Minster. Congratulations to all the players, manager Anthony Sands and coaches Roy Dayes & Wayne O’Shea. Sponsored by Unique Heating and Plumbing and the away kit is sponsored by the Howdon family.

CHAMPIONS or RUNNERS-UP? Herne Bay Under 13s, managed by Phil Greene, have completed their fixtures in the Kent Youth League Under 13s East and sit proudly at the top of the table. Hastings United are the only team that can catch them and are 9 points behind and have five games in hand. Hastings have fixtures scheduled up to the middle of May, including away at third-placed Margate and home and away to fourth-placed Ramsgate, so the outcome of this Division might not be known for a while. Whatever happens it is a great achievement for the lads in their first season at this level.

The Under 14s have faced a challenging time in the Kent Youth League Under 14s South and look to be heading for a finish in the lower reaches of the table.

The Under 16s have been holding their own in the Kent Youth League Under 16s South. After playing 16 of their 18 fixtures, they are in fourth place and look likely to end in that position.

Last season’s Under 16s resigned from the league in January 2023, and the Under 18s manager Danny Lawrence had left in December 2022 to take the top job at Canterbury City, so without a pathway there was a newly-formed Under 18s playing in the Kent Youth League Under 18s South. They have won one, drawn two and lost ten of their 13 games and with three away matches left are in ninth place. The Under 18s reached the First Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup.

2024/2025

Billy Surbey will be managing next season’s Under 13s (current school year 7). Trials will be held at Winch’s Field on Sunday 28th April. Registration will be at 9.00am with the trials taking place between 9.30 & 11.30. There will be further trials arranged in the future. Billy can be contacted on 07525 185 076.

Sam Callander is also looking to strengthen for next season’s Under 15s. Trials will be held at Winch’s Field on Sunday 12th May. Registration will be at 9.00am with the trials taking place between 10.00 & 12.00. Sam can be contacted on 07423 402 249 or email HBFCtrials@gmail.com