Ashwell’s 25 Hour Village Football Challenge

25 hours for 25 seasons! Friday 13th June 5pm to Saturday 14th June 6pm.

Ashwell Accies Youth Football Club are holding a one-off fun village football event on Ashwell Recreation Ground between 5pm on Friday 13th June and 6pm on Saturday 14th June. The event celebrates the 25th Anniversary of our club’s first season, and we need the help of people of all ages in our village to keep some football going on the Rec for 25 hours!

What games are being played?

We want to keep football being played on the Rec for 25 hours, from Friday 5pm to Saturday 6pm. The games will be informal, so they can be for teams of 5 up to 11 players. We will need players to keep at least 1 game going at all times – overnight we will only have one small game going under floodlights, but at busier times we can run multiple games at the same time across different pitches on the Rec. It is not a tournament, it is a fun opportunity for anyone to come and play football at the level you want to.

Who can play?

The event is open to anyone living or working in Ashwell village, as well as current Ashwell Accies and former players in Ashwell Accies’ history. All ages and abilities are welcome. *We need teams to register in advance of the event, to help us to organise the event.

How can I register to play?

Please use this form below to register a team. You will be asked:

  • the name of a team manager, 
  • if your team is U18s/over 18s/mixed, 
  • if you would like to play other teams or just play in your own group, 
  • and what time you would like to play (Yes, we are looking for players to join us at 3am!) 

We will contact you to confirm a slot nearer the time, based on pitch availability. Click here to register a team

If you would like to play, but you don’t have a team, please let us know and we will get you into a team before the event. Email Nick at 25thCelebration@AshwellAcademicals.com

What are we raising funds for?

The event is raising funds towards Accies running costs and equipment, including hiring training and match venues. All the squads across the club will benefit from these funds, from U6s to U17s. We will have a bar, tuck shop, barbeque and a raffle at the event – details below.

How can I support the event?

If you would like to sponsor a player to take part in our 25 hour challenge, or make a donation to the event, please use our Just Giving page. You can add the name of a player or your organisation to the donation form.

Click here to open Just Giving to sponsor a player or make a donation. Or if you would like to donate a prize for the raffle at the event, please email Sue at 25thCelebration@AshwellAcademicals.com. Go Accies!!

Is there food and refreshments available at the event?

There will be a bar and tuck shop on Friday evening, breakfast on Saturday morning and a barbeque and bar on Saturday between 3pm and the end of the event. Tea/coffee and soft drinks will be available throughout the event. All proceeds from the food and drinks go to the club.

Any Other Questions?

Any questions about the event, please Email Nick at 25thCelebration@AshwellAcademicals.com. Go Accies!!

Ashwell Accies U14 Girls – CHAMPIONES! CHAMPIONES! OLE-OLE-OLE!


Is there any finer feeling in football than the trip to NW London on a sunny May Saturday to watch your team play in the Cup Final? OK, so whilst there may be a few more fans trooping to Wembley to watch Chelsea vs Man Utd in the WFA Cup Final next week, there is no way the excitement could be higher than the fever pitch we reached as we crawled the last few 100 yards to the lush pastures of The Met’s Sports Ground to see the mighty Accies Girls (bedecked in ribbons and “warpaint”) take on Harpenden Colts in the HGFPL U14 Junior League Shield final.

Deciding it was too late for tactical nuance, or Churchillian oratory, we sent the girls out with instructions to play like they had all season. Unfortunately, we had forgotten that pretty much all season we have tended to play the first 20 minutes as if we’d left the handbrake on. So – true to form – we were a bit up against it. Colts galloped out of the starting gate (one for the equestrians out there) and seemed to be first to every ball; we were understandably a bit nervous and were struggling to get possession. Luckily, whilst we are notorius slow-starters, we are also very hard to break-down – Isla was superb at right-back, closing off any Harpenden hopes of progress down that flank; Laura and Georgia were equally resolute, intercepting, tackling, blocking and clearing their lines. Meanwhile the midfield were steeling themselves to put in a real shift – Ams, Ems, Maya (captain fantastic) and later Lottie covered every blade of grass, stretching the play, harrassing the oppo and gradually, as the first half wore on, starting to exert control and show their class. The work ethic was no less out-wide and up-front – Indie and Callie ran themselves into the ground, Iona (then Freyja) provided pace and positivity on the left whilst Chloe fought for scraps and turned them into gold with a series of incisive passes. With 35 mins gone, we had held firm, stemmed the tide and started to get on top. But 0-0 at half-time, and still anyone’s game.

As the girls gulped water and Lucozade, we reminded them that we play our best football in the second half and “always” score (Simon “Statto” Mahoney sensibly refrained from pointing out this was probably statistically nonsense). We also talked about composure. And we hatched a cunning plan: EJ was to be unleashed from goal into the number 10 position; Chloe would stretch the game by pushing up as far as she could, creating space for Ella and looking to play her in to the channels. I wasn’t 100% convinced Ella was listening, but Chloe seemed to be on board…

With Indie taking the gloves, Megs and Amelia slotting in seamlessly at full-back and Nina pushing forward wide on the right, we were all set for the second half. And it turned out I shouldn’t have doubted EJ. Playing on the last shoulder, Chloe collected the ball neatly, turned on a sixpence and played a beautiful defence splitting pass into the box spotting Ella sprinting from halfway, through the lines, and into glorious open space. On the touchline, we were screaming to shoot. But it turned out Ella had been listening to the bit about composure too. She neatly side-stepped the keeper and passed the ball into the empty net. Cue euphoria! Love it when a plan comes together!

We were on top now, Ams and Ems were getting time on the ball and able to spray passes into space releasing our pace out wide and upfront. Surely this would be a gentle canter to the finish line now? Regular Accies watchers though will know it never plays out like that. These girls like to find a more interesting route. Against the run of play, Colts broke into our box and got first to a fiendishly bouncing ball to send a speculative up & under heart-stoppingly over Indie (who could have done nothing against such a cruel stroke of luck) into the net. Gulp. 1-1. 20 mins to go and who knew what twists awaited?

But we were now playing with confidence all over the pitch, any pre-match nerves long-forgotten. And we were starting to show the skill and determination that have characterised our season. We continued to push forward. The ball broke to Nina in space on the edge of the box; without hesitation she struck left-footed, sending an arcing shot over the keepers desperate stretch into the back of the net. Truly special goal – magic! But if anything this just made those on the touchline more nervous – the Accies ultras were becoming quieter (hard to cheer when you’re chewing your fingernails to the bone…), the coaches could hardly watch… We needed another goal. Really needed it. And as always the Accies delivered. This time it was Ella to play a lovely pass into Amelie; she thought about shooting but with the ball on her left she made the smart call and squared it for Ella who had continued her run and stroked it home. 3-1. And no way back for the plucky Colts who played their part in a great game of football.

So to answer my question: yes it turns out there is one better feeling 🙂!

What a way to finish the season – it’s been fantastic to see the girls develop as individuals and as a team, and they fully deserved this moment of glory. Enjoy it, and let’s celebrate again at Trophy Night!

All-together now: CHAMPIONES! CHAMPIONES! OLE-OLE-OLE!

Meet our new U11 Girls Team

We are delighted to introduce our new Under 11 Girls team, including girls from both Year 5 and Year 6. The girls have been training together since the beginning of the season, and this weekend played their first competitive match in front of an enthusiastic group of supporters at the Ashwell Small Gains Stadium, and as you can see they had a great time.

Coach Andy Binstead said “We are very much focused on learning the game and having fun together. Supported by an enthusiastic team of parent coaches, we promote an environment that is inclusive and fun, where the girls can develop teamwork and confidence, as well as their football skills.”

They play in the Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League, training is on Friday evenings on a 3G pitch, and they play their matches on Saturdays. They would welcome any girls who want to develop their skills as well as experienced players looking for a new team.

A ‘right move’ for Accies Under 13’s Girls

Ashwell Accies U13 Girls with new sponsors Neil Wise from Ensum Brown

It’s been a ‘right move’ for the Ashwell Academicals Under 13 girls’ football team who have scored a new 2-year sponsorship deal with local multi-award winning estate agency, Ensum Brown.

The team is looking to build on the success of their 2022/23 season which saw them reach the final of the Herts Junior plate in May.

After a summer inspired by the Lionesses’ World Cup performances, the team have been joined by some new players and are motivated to show their continued development this season.

Team manager Neil Bassill said: “We are grateful to Ensum Brown for getting behind local grassroots girls’ football. This two-year sponsorship has enabled us to provide the team with a brand new kit to wear as they play their matches across Hertfordshire.”

Neil Wise, Managing Director of Ensum Brown, added: “We are delighted to be supporting our first local girls’ football team as the female game goes from strength-to-strength. The community fund aims to support initiatives which make a difference to the local area and we wish the Ashwell Academicals U13s girls the very best for the season ahead.”

The team welcomes new players who would like to play competitive football with girls their own age. Players in school years 7 and 8 are welcome to join the team for training which takes place on Tuesday evenings at 6pm in Ashwell, with matches being played on Saturdays.

To find out more please email u13girls@ashwellacademicals.com.

Special Delivery for our Accies Under 9’s

Our Accies Under 9’s have just taken delivery of their smart new kit for the 22-23 season thanks to our very generous sponsors Taylor Dolman (taylordolman.com).

Not only have they been given a smart new match kit, but Taylor Dolman have also provided a very snazzy training top for those cold winter evenings on the training pitch. The Accies really couldn’t survive without the continued support of sponsors such as Taylor Dolman, so a big thank you from all the players, coaches, and parents for your support.

The Ashwell Accies are happy to be supporting The FA’s Silent Support Weekend

This weekend the Ashwell Accies and the Royston Crow Youth Football League has chosen to take part in the National Silent Support Weekend where Leagues and Clubs across the country are asking all spectators and coaches to show their support through applause only when the match is in play. This gives players a better opportunity to find their own voice and develop their game.

https://www.thefa.com/…/21/silent-support-weekend-20221021

What to do at the Silent Weekend?

  • Allow players to make mistakes
  • Allow players to make their own decisions
  • Applaud good play and effort from either team

What are the benefits of the Silent Weekend?

  • Players can concentrate on the game and not be distracted by the touchline
  • Players develop independent learning and decision-making
  • Coaches can assess the teams’ communication skills Find out what happens

Find out what happens when we turn the volume down for the players on the pitch.

Ashwell Accies are backing the FA’s new initiative …Play Safe

We’re backing Play

Ashwell Accies is lending its full support to Play Safe – an ongoing national campaign led by The FA to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding in football.

Although it runs throughout the year, Play Safe really comes to the fore over football’s National Safeguarding Weekend, held this year on Saturday/Sunday 1st and 2nd October.

The main focus this year is on parents and carers, with two key messages to convey:

  • Awareness of the vital safeguarding role parents/carers play in football; and
  • Encouragement to take the short, new and free online safeguarding course that’s been created specifically for parents/carers. You can access the course here.

Importantly, encouragement to take the new course has come from FASSSAG – The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group:

“We have inputted into the course and helped frame its key messages from our collective experiences. It’s vitally important to us that every parent/carer understands they role they need to play in football. Taking this course can make a real difference – we are asking every parent/carer to commit to help ensure football is ever-safer.”

The support of FASSSAG has been welcomed by FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, himself a parent and youth football coach. “The FASSSAG has been important in helping us create our new strategy moving forwards and we really appreciate their input into the new course.  I have taken the new course and encourage all parents/carers across football to take it too.

“Ultimately, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We all need to ensure that everyone involved in football – particularly children and young people – has a consistently safe and positive experience of our great game.  Play Safe reminds everyone of that responsibility and keeps safeguarding front of mind, which is exactly where it should be.” Play Safe is being run in partnership with the NSPCC and has the full backing of the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship. It’s also supported and being run across every other level of the game.

Our Accies Girls continue to develop and grow in the Cambridge United Girls Development Scheme

Congratulations to all our Accies Girls in the Cambridge United Girls Development Structure, who have either been retained in their Girls Development Centre (GDC), have been retained or advanced into their Elite Centre (GEC), or who have been selected to join the new FA Girls Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) for the coming 22/23 season.

All of these girls started their football with the Accies, and are all still playing for the Accies in either mixed teams or girls teams.  They have all worked so hard over the last few seasons to develop their match skills, and it is a fantastic achievement to be playing under the Cambridge United Development Scheme.

They should all be very proud of their accomplishments to date.

Izzy (U14’s) has retained her position in the Girls Development Centre

Ella-Jane (U12’s) has advance into the Girls Elite Centre

Amelie (U12’s) has retained her position in the Girls Elite Centre

Ailsa (U14’s) has advance into the Girls Elite Centre

Billie (U14’s) has retained her position in the Girls Elite Centre, and also been selected for the new FA National Girls Emerging Talent Centre