University of Hertfordshire and Watford FC inspire young footballers with unforgettable Vicarage Road experience

Thirty students from Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood and St Mary’s School in Broxbourne were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity last week - to play a competitive football match at Vicarage Road, the iconic home of Watford FC.

The event was part of Watford FC’s 'Play on the Pitch' initiative, made possible through the club’s official higher education partnership with the University of Hertfordshire for the 2024–25 season. This unique collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people across the region.

The match also marked the launch of the first official fixture under the Active Local programme, led by the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership (HSP), which is based at the University. Active Local is a place-based initiative designed to increase physical activity in communities facing the greatest barriers to being active, by working collaboratively with local residents and partners to drive long-term, sustainable change.

The fixture brought together students from two schools located in Active Local areas - Waltham Cross (Broxbourne) and Cowley Hill (Hertsmere) - both of which have recently been designated as Sport England Supported Places under the Place Universal Offer (PUO). This designation provides targeted support and resources to help these communities foster collaborative leadership and long-term behaviour change through sport and physical activity.

“This match isn’t just about football,” said John O’Callaghan, Partnership Director at HSP. “It’s about creating unforgettable experiences and opening doors for young people who might not otherwise have access to opportunities like this. Ability is nothing without opportunity.”

A teacher from Hertswood Academy echoed this sentiment: “Many of these boys dream of playing in a stadium like this. Just to see them out there making memories they’ll never forget—it was unbelievable.”

In a thrilling finish, Hertswood Academy clinched victory on penalties, with Year 9 students celebrating under the stadium lights—many of them stepping onto a professional pitch for the very first time.

Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, commented:

“At the University of Hertfordshire, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact in our local communities. We believe in the power of sport to inspire, unite, and transform lives. Through our partnership with Watford FC, we’re proud to support initiatives like ‘Play on the Pitch’ that give young people access to experiences that can shape their futures. We hope everyone enjoyed the day and look forward to continuing to support these valuable opportunities.”

With continued support from Sport England and the dedication of local schools and partners, the Active Local programme is set to expand its reach and impact over the next two years. Events like this are just the beginning of a broader movement to close the inactivity gap and ensure every young person in Hertfordshire has the chance to lead a more active, healthy life.

The University has recently launched its Clearing webpages, offering prospective students the chance to explore a wide range of sports-related courses and discover how they can turn their passion for sport into a career.