News

Chairman's New Year's Message

01 Jan 2026

Dear All,

As we enter the New Year, I’m delighted to share that Alton Football Club has been confirmed by Hampshire FA as a 3-Star England Football Accredited Club – the highest possible rating. This recognition reflects the standards we uphold and the experience we provide for our 700 players across 50 teams. My sincere thanks go to our dedicated committee members and our 100+ coaches and volunteers who make this possible.

Following the kitchen fire in October, I’d like to thank our members, parents, carers, supporters and sponsors for their patience and sticking with us during what has been a challenging period. I know that many of us have missed the hot food, drinks, friendly service – and even the matchday music and announcements! This disruption has reminded us how fortunate we usually are in taking these things for granted, and encourages us, especially at this time of year, to spare a thought for those in less fortunate situations.

2025 marked ten years since the opening of the 3G pitch at The Enclosure. Building on this success, and following overwhelming local support, plans for an additional 3G surface across the road in Anstey Park have been labelled as a Flagship Multisport Project. We are now engaged in regular discussions and working closely with EHDC, Alton Town Council, Hampshire FA, the RFU, Alton Rugby Club and Manor Colts to meet the sporting demand in the area and enable more football to be played. 2026 will be a crucial year for confirming feasibility and next steps, with a potential delivery target of 2027.

Also last year we proudly achieved one of our key goals with the launch of pan-disability football sessions for 5-11 year old boys and girls. Our Comets sessions are now well established, running fortnightly, and continuing to grow. Hampshire FA, in partnership with a local university, has recognised our efforts by selecting Alton FC for a case study. Initial filming took place in December, with further filming scheduled this month and a promotional release planned for March. Please do help us spread the word about our Comets sessions – they deliver enormous enjoyment for young pan-disability players in a safe, fun and relaxed environment that is hard to find elsewhere.

On and off the pitch, exciting plans are developing to strengthen our Allied Counties U18 Youth Team, the key gateway from junior football into the men’s game. With the addition of a new coach and commercial volunteers, look out for details of ‘the project’ being worked on ahead of the 2026–27 season. I’m confident something truly special can be achieved here.

With planning permission now secured, we hope to begin work this year on the clubhouse decking canopy and the new terrace behind the goal, further enhancing the excellent facility we proudly call home. Alongside this, a small working group has been set up to gather ideas from members, visitors and sponsors on how we can continue to improve the clubhouse and wider facility. Please do contribute – we’d love your feedback – and I’m hopeful we can enjoy this year’s World Cup together in the clubhouse.

Our club charity partner, Cardiac Health, celebrates its Golden Anniversary this year – 50 years serving the Alton community. We congratulate and thank them for their incredible contribution and are excited to be working together on a range of activities to support their fundraising, including a club race night, Valentine’s Day / Thank You card design competition, Smarty Easter challenge, a spring car wash, World Cup events and the creation of a joint ‘wellness hub’ in our clubhouse for our combined memberships and the wider community.

Finally, nothing at Alton FC happens without the tireless efforts of our Executive Committee, Men’s, Ladies’ and Junior committees, and our many volunteers and coaches. You give your time week in, week out to make Alton FC a safe, friendly and fun place for the community to play and watch football. There are far too many individuals to thank personally, so please accept my collective thanks to everyone involved with the club.

Let’s continue to look after each other, respect one another and enjoy being part of Alton FC.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year – here’s to a fun and action-packed 2026.

Best regards,

Carl Saunders
Chairman
Alton Football Club

P.S. It’s not too late to get your 2026 Alton FC calendar! All proceeds are being donated to the Club's Charity Parter this season, Cardiac Health. Place your order here!