SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2THESUNOFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF SUN SPORTS FC 2026/2027 SEASON ISSUE 2 V TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBERST 7:30PMTHE SUN IS BACK!

Club Directory: Manager: Dave Barnes Assistant Manager: Steve Kelly Coach: Luke Fox Coach: Mark Fox Physio: Andy Navarro Kitman: Archie Kelly Club Directory: Chairman: Nick Simmonds Vice chairman: Mark Fox Club Secretary: Salina McManus Programme Editor: Soulful DesignsSun Sports FC Bellmount Wood Ave, Watford WD17 3BN 01923 227453 IN THIS ISSUE FROM THE MANAGERVISITORS INFOMATIONUPCOMING FIXTURESMATCHDAY SQUADS All the information you need to know about our visitors from MK College Dave Banres discusses his latest thoughts from the Manager’s office We look at our upcoming games this month CLUB HONOURS: LEAGUE HONOURS SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WINNERS (1): 2013–14 HERTS SENIOR COUNTY LEAGUE WINNERS (2): 1992–93, 1993–94 CUP HONOURS HERTS INTERMEDIATE CUP: WINNERS (1): 1925–26 HERTS JUNIOR CUP: WINNERS (1): 1938–39 AUBREY CUP: WINNERS (1): 1994–95 APSLEY SENIOR CUP: WINNERS (1): 1981–82 APSLEY JUNIOR CUP: WINNERS (2): 1982–83, 1992–93 Check out today’s teams3121316 SUNSPORTSFC1STSUNSPORTSFC1ST SUNSPORTSFC1ST

FROM THE DUGOUT Welcome back to the Spartan League and, most importantly, welcome back to everyone connected with Sun Sports FC. It is a real pleasure to be writing these programme notes as we reflect on a memorable start to our first home game of the season. What a way to kick things off. A 4-0 win over MK college, with all four goals coming from Owen Ayres, in front of a fantastic crowd of over 100, is exactly the kind of start we were hoping for as we return to the Spartan League. There is a genuine sense of excitement around the club, and results like that only add to it. Pre-season gave the players the chance to work hard, get to know one another and prepare for what promises to be a demanding season, and it showed on Saturday. We know there will be challenges ahead and that not every game will go our way like this one did, but performances like that give everyone a real boost and a clear sign of what this group is capable of when we work together and show the right attitude. Owen Ayres' four-goal haul deserves special mention. Taking all four goals in a game is a brilliant individual achievement and a great way for him, and the team, to open the season. Being back in the Spartan League is an important moment for Sun Sports FC, and starting with a result and a performance like that is the perfect platform. We want to make sure that we enjoy the experience, compete in every game and represent the club in the right way, both on and off the pitch. Our aim is to build on this throughout the season and give everyone associated with the club plenty to get behind. I would like to thank the players, coaches, committee, volunteers and everyone who has worked behind the scenes during the summer. Football clubs don't run on match days alone, and the effort that goes into making everything happen is hugely appreciated. Finally, to our supporters: thank you for turning out in such numbers and for your continued backing. Seeing over 100 of you here for our first home game meant a lot to everyone at the club. We hope you enjoyed the win, and we look forward to you getting behind the lads throughout the season, home and away. Dave Barnes3

CLUB NEWS4 We are is delighted to welcome Padel Ball UK as the club's newest sposnor. We welcome Mark and his family to the game today and we all look forward to forming a great partnership moving forward . Thank you for your support mark

DUGOUT TEAMMANAGER DAVE BARNESASSISTANT MANAGER STEVE KELLYCOACH LUKE FOXPHYSIO ANDY NAVARROPLAYER / COACH LOUIS STEAD

6MEET THE TEAM

Founded in 1898 as Sun Engraving, the club has a proud history stretching back more than 125 years. In 1901, the club became known as Sun Sports FC, competing in the Watford & District League and West Herts League before establishing itself as a respected name within Hertfordshire football. The club joined the Herts County League Division Two in 1947–48 and earned promotion to Division One in 1955–56. A year later, a league restructure saw Sun Sports move into the Premier Division. Although relegated the following season, the club immediately bounced back and returned to the top flight. Sun Sports continued to build its reputation, making its debut in the FA Vase in 1977 before suffering relegation in 1980. Once again, the club responded in true Sun Sports fashion, winning promotion straight back to the top division at the first opportunity. The early 1990s produced one of the club's most successful periods. In 1992–93, Sun Sports were crowned league champions, and they successfully defended their title the following season, establishing themselves as one of the leading sides in the area. In 1995, the club merged with local side Watford Postal Services F.C. and adopted the name Sun Postal Sports. After finishing runners-up in consecutive seasons, the club stepped up to the Spartan South Midlands League Division One in 2003–04. More success followed in 2013–14 when Sun Postal Sports were crowned Spartan South Midlands League Division One champions, earning promotion to the Premier Division. At the same time, the club returned to the historic Sun Sports name. The club has also played an important role in developing young footballers through its youth setup, Sun Sports Youth FC, continuing a tradition of football in the local community. The Road Back The club faced some of its most difficult years after withdrawing from the Spartan South Midlands League in September 2017, following the loss of its home ground. Attempts to secure a groundshare were unsuccessful, and the club subsequently entered the Herts Senior County League. Despite further setbacks, Sun Sports continued to fight for its place in local football. The club re-entered the Herts Senior County League as Sun Sports Watford in 2020–21, keeping the name and spirit alive through challenging times. A New Chapter: 2026–27 Now, in 2026–27, Sun Sports FC begins a new chapter. With a new management team led by Dave Barnes, the club is ready to embrace its next era and, most importantly, its rebirth in the Spartan League Division Two. The history has been written. The rebuild has begun. The next chapter starts now.HISTORY OF SUN SPORTS 8

YOUTHSun Sports Youth FC is proud to be part of the long-standing Sun Sports football family, with a history deeply rooted in grassroots football and the local Watford community. The Sun Sports name has been part of local football for generations, dating back to 1901. Today, that proud tradition continues through Sun Sports Youth, giving young players the opportunity to enjoy football, develop their skills and, most importantly, be part of a team. At Sun Sports Youth, football is about much more than what happens for 90 minutes on a Sunday. It is about friendships, teamwork, commitment, confidence and creating memories that players will carry with them long after they hang up their boots. Our teams compete in West Herts Youth League, with players representing the famous yellow and royal blue colours and proudly carrying the Sun Sports badge on their shirts. The club’s home is Sun Sports and Social Club in Watford, a venue with a strong connection to grassroots football and the local community. Behind every team is a group of dedicated managers, coaches, volunteers and parents who give up their time week after week. From early-morning kick-offs and midweek training sessions to cup runs, celebrations and the occasional heartbreak, they all play their part in making youth football possible. And then there are the players. Sun Sports Youth has also enjoyed some fantastic moments in recent seasons, including teams reaching county cup finals and competing at the highest levels of their respective youth competitions. Winning leagues and winning local cup competitions. The club continues to provide opportunities for young footballers to develop and enjoy the game. Sun Sports Youth is proud of its history, proud of its players and proud of the people who make the club what it is. Because Sun Sports Youth isn’t just a football club. It’s a community. It’s a family. It’s #TeamSun.9

CLUB SPONSORS10As we prepare for the new season, Sun Sports FC First Team would like to thank all of our sponsors for their valued support. Their backing plays a vital role in helping the team compete throughout the season and is greatly appreciated by everyone involved. We are proud to represent such a fantastic group of businesses and look forward to working together in the season ahead. Thank you for your continued support. @thehomeshuttercompany @lordsbm @davewright59 @barnesfencing15987xx @dt_flooring_ @simcrossweldingservices @firesafefm @langleyserve_plumbheat @acme_construction_ @mr_amenity_ltd @jsfunerals @rinsebespokedetailing @smithandlatimer Intercept fire and security

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITES11Sun Sports is proud to return to Watford — and we’re building something ambitious both on and off the pitch. We’re offering a range of sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to be part of our journey. Several key partnerships have already been secured, including our home and away kits, main stand, training wear, and selected pitchside boards — a reflection of the strong support behind the club’s return. A number of exciting opportunities still remain available. If you’re interested in partnering with a historic club entering a new era, we’d love to hear from you.

MEET THE OPPOSITION LONDON COLNEY12 Founding and Early Growth (1907–1990s) London Colney F.C. was founded in 1907, starting out in the Mid-Herts League. By 1955 the club had stepped up into the Hertfordshire Senior County League, and a strong debut season (third place) earned an immediate promotion to the Premier Division. Success followed quickly: the club lifted the Premier Division title in 1956–57, were runners-up twice, then champions again in 1959–60. The 1970s brought the club unlikely global fame. A Herts Intermediate Cup tie against Leavesden Hospital in November 1971 proved so evenly matched it needed six replays before London Colney finally edged it 1–0 more than a month later. The saga entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest cup tie in football history. The club backed that up with genuine silverware, winning the same competition outright in 1974–75 and 1982–83. More Premier Division success followed in the late 1980s — runners-up in 1985–86, champions in 1986–87, then back-to-back titles in 1988–89 and 1989–90, the latter season also yielding the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy. This form propelled the club up to the South Midlands League in 1992, where they continued climbing: promoted again in 1993, Charity Shield winners in 1993–94, and Senior Division champions in 1994–95, taking them into the South Midlands Premier Division. Spartan South Midlands League Era (1997–2023) In 1997 a league merger created the Spartan South Midlands League, with London Colney competing in the Premier Division North. A third-place finish in that inaugural campaign secured their place in the unified Premier Division. The club added another Charity Shield in 1998–99, were runners-up in 2000–01, then completed a league-and-cup double the following season, taking both the Premier Division title and the Challenge Cup. A downturn followed, culminating in a bottom-place finish and relegation to Division One in 2007–08. The club rebuilt steadily, winning the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy again in 2009–10 and clinching the Division One title in 2011–12 to return to the Premier Division. A second golden run then took shape: runners-up finishes in 2014–15 and 2015–16 were followed by a title-and-cup double in 2016–17 (Premier Division and Challenge Trophy) — though the club turned down the resulting chance to step up into the Isthmian League. Recent Years Form dipped sharply in 2022–23, when the club finished bottom of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division and were relegated and moved sideways into Division One of the Combined Counties League. A single season later, they were transferred back into Division One of the Spartan South Midlands League, where they currently compete.

THIS MONTH’S FIXTURESBe sure to come down to support The Sun! There will be regular updates via our social media channels and website so please keep an eye out!13

A huge thank you to everyone involved in getting the main pitch into a fantastic condition , the hard work has definitely paid off . 14

15THE STANDINGS

SUN SPORTS Blue/YellowLONDON COLNEY FREDDIE BURROUGHS (GK) OWEN AYRES (C) LOUIS STEAD OWEN DEAMER KIERAN GODMAN JACK GOULDING ELLIS SIMMONS MYLES PROCHNIC HARRISON MEAD TOMMY EVERITT OLIVER MEAD MATTHEW PINCHING SEAN READE JOHN SMITH JUDE MCKAY TYREEQ WHITE FREDDIE BURROUGHS (GK) OWEN AYRES (C) LOUIS STEAD OWEN DEAMER KIERAN GODMAN JACK GOULDING ELLIS SIMMONS MYLES PROCHNIC HARRISON MEAD TOMMY EVERITT OLIVER MEAD MATTHEW PINCHING SEAN READE JOHN SMITH JUDE MCKAY TYREEQ WHITE HARRY MALORET KAI BIRKS JOURDAN KIWOMYA JAMES LAWRENCE (CPT) FREDDIE DAY MIKE WILLIAMS JACK WINGATE KAIRO ANTHONY GEORGE CANAWAY GODFREY OPOKU CALLUM MOORE OLLIE GAUTHIER HARRY MCNAMARA TENDONG MAX-PHILIP NCHAFAC CONOR KELLY OSCAR EVANS KAI NEIL JOSH CLARKE HARRY WALKER JOE DALLI OLLIE LAWFORD HARLEY FONTI TYLER CADIOU TODAY’S SQUADSMATCH OFFICALS REFEREE ASSISTANT REFEREES NEXT UP AT HOME Saturday 5th September 3:00pm Kick off PAUL RIDDICK ANAMUL HASSAN ARNAUD BAALI