For three young footballers in the Petersfield area, what started as an opportunity to play football has developed into an exciting journey through our pathway, and towards competitive football. 

While each player has taken a slightly different route, all three have benefited from the opportunities available through our local programmes, demonstrating how a player’s football journey can develop step by step. 

For Jamie Walton the journey began at our Petersfield Holiday Courses. 

Designed to give children aged 5–13 the opportunity to enjoy football during the school holidays, the courses provide a fun and engaging environment where young players can develop their skills, stay active and build confidence. 

From those first sessions, Jamie continued to develop and was invited to join the Petersfield Advanced Training Centre (ATC). 

The ATC provides an additional challenge for high-ability players, with sessions focusing on the technical and tactical aspects of the game. For Jamie, that opportunity has now led to the next step in his football journey,joining our Boys’ JPL U12s. 

Martin Parfitt Petersfield Area Lead, said: 

“Jamie joined the Petersfield ATC when it first started in September 2024. His attitude has always been excellent and the improvement in his technical skills, over the two years, has been clear to see. Jamie attended our JPL trials earlier this year and he was offered a place in our U12’s squad. So far this season he has performed to a good standard and is an important part of the squad. Jamie has good potential and will continue to develop with our coaches.” 

Jamie’s dad said: 

“Jamie loves his football and has really developed under the coaching of the staff at PITC from the school clubs through to the ATC. He was delighted to be invited to join the U12 JPL team and carry on to the next step of his footballing journey. We look forward to seeing him develop further under the expert coaching of the team at PITC and the high standard of football offered by the JPL.” 

Young goalkeeper Harry has followed a similar route. 

His football journey also began at our Petersfield Holiday Courses, before progressing into the Petersfield ATC. 

The move to ATC gave Harry the opportunity to train in a more advanced environment, working on his individual skills while developing his understanding of the game alongside other ambitious young players. 

That progression has now seen Harry join our Boys’ JPL U11s. 

Martin said: 

“Harry joined the Petersfield ATC and was fairly new to goalkeeping. He was very raw and hadn’t had much technical training. He embraced the sessions and never seemed to miss a week over two years. Harry really benefitted from specialist GK training and improved very quickly. He attended our ATC games (against Gosport and Portsmouth) which helped with his experience and game understanding. Harry was offered a place with our U11 squad and has performed well so far.” 

Harry’s Mum said:  

“Harry’s confidence has grown massively since joining PITC. The goalkeeper and ATC sessions have been invaluable in helping him develop the key skills he needed and it’s been amazing to see that progress lead to him joining the PITC JPL team. We love that PITC focuses so much on player development and Harry seems to get better and more confident every week. It’s been brilliant to see how far he has come!” 

Football mad Hamilton Mahoney’s journey started somewhere different. 

After joining our Emsworth After School Club, Hamilton developed his football within the regular after-school programme before progressing to Petersfield ATC. 

The After School Clubs provide children with the chance to enjoy regular football alongside their school week, while the move into ATC offers players who are ready for an increased level of challenge the opportunity to develop further. 

For Hamilton, that progression has now resulted in him joining our Boys’ U9s. 

Martin said: 

“Hamilton showed real ability at both the Emsworth After School Club and the Petersfield ATC. His commitment in training was clear to see and he always played with a big smile on his face. He is extremely enthusiastic and just wants to improve. After attending our JPL trials earlier this year, Hamilton was offered a place with our U9 squad. Hamilton has potential and will continue to develop with our coaches and our footballcurriculum.” 

Hamilton’s Mum said: 

“We’re so proud to see Hamilton so happy doing something he loves and always giving it his all. Having the opportunity to play alongside and against some brilliant young players and teams from across the region is really special – he loves the challenge and takes so much from every experience. We’re very grateful to the PITC coaches and wider team for the fantastic coaching, guidance, fun and encouragement, and for the relationships he continues to build with them.” 

While the three players have taken different routes, their stories highlight the range of opportunities available to young footballers as they develop through Pompey in the Community.  

For some, the journey may begin at a holiday course. For others, it could start at an After School Club. For players who demonstrate the ability and commitment to progress, the Advanced Training Centre providesanother opportunity to take their development further. 

For Jamie, Harry and Hamilton, those opportunities have helped take them from their first experiences within the programmes to the next stages of their football journeys. 

Congratulations to all three players on their fantastic progress!