Come and play for Buntingford Cougars
Have fun * Keep fit * Make new friends * Be part of a team
Buntingford Cougars is a youth football club in Hertfordshire where children of all abilities can have fun. It’s a safe environment where everyone is valued, respected and encouraged. We’re proud of our FA Charter Standard Club Award. And we’re committed to the FA’s Respect Initiative. Since 1971, we’ve worked with local businesses, schools and parents to build a club we can be proud of. See the Club Rules & Club Handbook.
All our volunteers, managers, coaches and referees are CRB checked. We’re a trusted part of the local community. So whether you want to volunteer or are looking for a team that’s right for your child, you’ll find Cougars has a lot to offer
In 2011, Cougars celebrated their 40 Year Anniversary, and in 2012 a Cougars team won the Hertfordshire County Cup Final, a first for the Club.
And the following year, they did it again and won the 2013 County Cup Final. Well done from everyone at the Club.
In September 2021, Buntingford Cougars holds it’s 50th Anniversary! The club is planning a celebratory event on Sunday 5th September with a fundraising Sponsored Walk for our members followed by an afternoon of entertainment at The Bury.We asked members to design a commemorative badge that would be proudly represented on our 2021/22 season kits for all age groups.
The winner of our competition was current U12s player 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖-𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙮 with a truly fantastic design. It pulls in the existing badge, features a gold 50 and ribbon detail, but also perfectly captures the spirit of the club itself. “50 years of being part of a team” is a great tagline for this wonderful grassroots, community club. We’re now actively working with our suppliers to ensure the new kits are ready for the start of next season.
Please remember to register your interest in our celebratory day on Sunday 5th September. Cougars 50th Anniversary Celebration Event
Safeguarding in Youth Football: Quick link to FA Resources
Buntingford Cougars Football Fun Summer 2021
We are so pleased to be able to resume Football Fun sessions this summer. The first 4 sessions were fully booked by Cougars members and siblings within a few days, and we are pleased to now add two further days to allow non-members to join in the fun too. Booking is...
Buntingford Cougars AGM 2021
The Buntingford Cougars Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st June at The Bury. Arrivals from 7.45pm with the meeting to start at 8.00pm. The AGM is open to anyone with an interest in the football club and is an opportunity to meet the volunteers on the...
𝟱𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲!
September is our 50th Anniversary! Prior to lockdown, we asked our members to design a commemorative badge that would be proudly represented on our 2021/22 season kits which we are renewing for all age groups. The winner of our competition was current U12s player...
Cougars U13s Whites Vs Knebworth Lynx's, Sunday 28th November, Home![]()
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Beale, Benton, Bullock, Byrne, Collery, Cooper, Duxbury, Leonard-Batten, Malyon, Pryke, Scott, White![]()
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Another home game for the Whites and thankfully Storm Arwen had moved on but left a chill in the air, 0°C to be accurate. But that was not an issue for the Whites armed with their thermals and bobble hats. ![]()
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From the outset, the Whites showed they wanted a win today. They had the first movement on goal starting from Oliver M in defence pushing up the left wing. Cauley was keen to increase his goal total pouncing on a corner from Charlie and worked well with Charlie, Seb and Rubi in passing the ball around and having the first shot on goal. A miskick by Finn and then Cauley was cleanly dealt with by Oliver B, well placed at the back. Finn was vigilant in defence and created many a lovely pass forward setting up the midfield, ensuring he covered his team members and supporting them well. ![]()
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Alex showed confidence today in defence, working hard to get the ball up the field to our players and resolute when under attack. The return of Oliver M was a welcome sight for the team after a foot injury. Yet there was no sign of his injury as he made outstanding tackles, pushed up the wing keeping excellent control of the ball, he did not let the opposition get the better of him and at one point, managed to track back despite being behind the player to tackle and take the ball off them much to the relief of the spectators.![]()
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Two stalwart figures today were Teddy and Rafi. Teddy positioned himself well today to receive balls, creating great chances for himself and the attackers, holding off defenders when needed and had some great shots on goal saved. Rafi was relentless in midfield, showing great footwork and control of the ball, in pursuit of another goal to increase his tally and making great runs forward. ![]()
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At the other end, Seb worked tirelessly up front, pairing up well with his team members and taking advantage of the great passes that came forward to him. With the substitution of Evan on field, he was quickly involved in the game making trouble for the opposition. He showed great strength and confidence on taking on players.![]()
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Some unusual tactics were seen by a Knebworth player by holding the ball between his legs to stop it going out… but then a shot on goal that came off the post was a wake-up call for the Whites (as made clear by Coach Perry!). However, it was unfortunate that a handball led to a penalty. It was calmly and confidently taken by the Knebworth player although Noah was really unlucky not to save it.![]()
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Once the Whites got going again, a lovely through ball from Charlie to Seb and then to Evan showed how they played best, with Evan finally putting the ball in the back of the net and bringing them on even terms. More excellent play from Rafi to Teddy and again to Evan saw the ball trickle through the goalkeeper’s legs and out for a corner. Evan again scored from another great pass from Seb to put the Whites in the lead.![]()
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More attacks from the Whites continued with Oliver M (who clearly had had three Weetabix today) pushing forward to Teddy whose shot on target was saved and then Charlie had a go at the rebound but sadly saw it soar over the bar.![]()
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At the other end, despite some outstanding saves by Noah, some confusion at the goal mouth saw the ball trickle into the back of the net. The supporters had no idea what happened! ![]()
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By half time, it was felt that the Whites should have had the upper hand and coming back onto the pitch they started strong with Charlie and Teddy both having strong shots saved by the newly replaced goalie.![]()
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The second half did bring its excitement with surging runs by the attackers at many points in the game, but again the best play coming when they linked up together. Charlie pushed up more on the wing, playing some sneaky balls through to set up players and was unlucky to see some of his carefully placed shots saved. Evan was a bulldozer taking on many players with confidence and skill, but also setting up numerous chances for his team. Oliver B made a lovely turn in the centre of the pitch to step past a player and pass the ball on. It was Teddy’s turn to be rewarded with a goal when he side-stepped the ball into the nets. Rubi worked hard in his role today and got stuck in when the ball came his way. Finn and Cauley consolidated their great partnership in defence, working well with each other and the back line.![]()
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However, the Knebworth players did not give up and managed to scramble the ball in one last time. ![]()
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Another gallant effort by Evan caused some chaos for Knebworth and created the winner for the Whites. Despite nervous defending at the end of the match, Alex controlled the ball in midfield to set up Rafi who controlled it well to have a final attack on goal.![]()
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So, despite the freezing temperatures, the Whites deserved this victory and we look forward to seeing more of the stylish play that they are capable of in future games. Well done Whites.![]()
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Final score: 4-3 win ![]()
Manager’s player of the match: Collery![]()
Parents’ player of the match: Malyon
Cougars U13s WHITES vs FC Hitchin Blacks, Sunday 21st November, Away![]()
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Benton, Bullock, Byrne, Cole, Collery, Cooper, Duxbury, Leonard-Batten, Moretto, Pryke, Scott, White![]()
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It started off a beautiful morning for a game of football, an away game in Letchworth this time. The parents were delighted to find cakes for sale and our MD was happy and raring to go after a large chocolate cupcake and hot cup of tea!![]()
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The Whites made a confident start. The return of Charlie on the left wing with his swift pace and nifty footwork saw our first attack on goal. Seb was already coming at the bit, eager to make his mark on this game and made many surging runs and passes forward. Marco linked well with many players, great passing and helping to set up the attack we needed. ![]()
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Teddy and Rafi paired well in midfield. Teddy showed great control and spirit, constantly chasing the ball and looking for opportunities to break through. Rafi controlled the midfield well and set up numerous passes at the start, sadly no one there to finish off. On the right wing, Oliver showed grit and determination and never gave up. His confidence has increased steadily and he played some lovely football.![]()
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In defence, it was good to see the return of Tyler who worked hard to patrol his area with some speedy attackers on the opposition. Alex on the other side was solid in ensuring the ball did not get past him and remained calm under pressure on goal making great clearances. Cauley was strong in defence, linking well with Noah and fully in control of his domain. Finn put on a fine display working between the midfield and defence, not scared in taking on players, charging forward when he had a break and making great passes. ![]()
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In the larger than normal goal, Noah was undeterred and steely eyed. He was not phased by the goals that loomed above his head but showed the stunning progress he has made from the start of the season making some fine diving saves, at one point with three attackers charging forward towards him.![]()
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Sadly, with the blackening clouds and drop in temperature, fate decided to change the course of the game for the Whites. Following a scrabble near the goal post, Hitchin Blacks managed to slot one away. Not to be outdone, Seb was unwilling to give up and after a few attempts, evened things up for the Whites, the away crowd glad to see the ball hit the back of the net. After a quick corner from Charlie and sneaky passes between him and Seb, Seb took a lucky chance on goal, creating a curve a mathematician would be proud of, landing the ball in the goal! Rubi made an appearance at this point bringing some fresh legs to the team, showcasing his control and perseverance in midfield. ![]()
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Unfortunately, it was not long before our defence was caught out by their speedy attackers and they equalised. As the parents stood shivering on the side-lines in the chilling rain, the opposition picked up a notch and took advantage of our changed format in defence due to absent players. What was seen was an outstanding performance by Noah with a multitude of heroic saves, including an unorthodox save between his legs!![]()
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By half term, the score was 2-4 due to an unfortunate penalty award. Again, Noah was unlucky not to stop the shot as he managed to gets his fingertips to it and then watched it roll into the back of the net.![]()
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By the second half, as it was too cold to write anything down (!) here are some highlights:![]()
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A sneaky back for move from Seb that led to a chance on goal. Lovely play from Charlie with a surging run up the wing and some confident corners put in. Oliver and Rubi running their hearts out up and down the pitch and never giving up. Superb tackling from Teddy in midfield. Cauley’s clearances under pressure. Finn taking on players on the wing and quickly recovering his defensive position. Rafi working tirelessly in his effort to try and even up the score. Marco supporting his team members and good positioning when needed. Tyler and Alex both calmly defending under a lot of pressure. The team working hard despite taking a hard knock today. Although four more goals were conceded, this did not take away from the boys’ efforts including a flying save from Noah, without whom the score would have been a lot higher.![]()
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However, the Whites were determined not to leave without having the final word so it was to the frozen supporters delight to see Cauley receive the ball near the goal and calmly turn and put it in the back of the very large net. Yippee!![]()
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Fate was not on our side today and not all the players were 100% fit but they still gave it their all. Another day Whites it will be ours for the taking!![]()
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Final score: 3-8 loss![]()
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Manager’s player of the match: Cooper![]()
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Parents’ player of the match: Benton
Buntingford Cougars U10s Blues versus Stotfold Blacks, Saturday 20th November, Away ![]()
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Jouini, Deane, Tidy, Maylon, Plumb, Warren, Burletson, Hopper, Loxton, Walker ![]()
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An away trip for the Blues started with the challenge of finding the Stotfold ground. With parents driving around the streets of Fairfield Park, passing each other in opposite directions, eventually a convoy was arranged and the car park was located with 10 minutes to spare.![]()
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Both sides were quickly into their stride, with a fine display of the passing game. Defending, tackling, finding space - it was all top notch stuff. It wasn't long before Plumb in goal was called into action, his hands stinging from a series of saves from blistering Stotfold shots. Walker and Tidy were stretched in defence but held the line, ably assisted by Jouini with some tracking back. Up front the Loxton-Deane-Hopper combo took time to settle, but eventually a lung busting Deane sprint down the wing saw the first chance created with a floating cross that Hopper just tipped over the bar.![]()
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Now it was Loxton's turn, he hurdled a couple of tackles to find Deane in space, but the goalie was on his toes and pulled off a fine save.![]()
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Plumb kept his defence organised with a flurry of instructions, and pulled off the save of the match with a reaction parry from close range. The crowd responded and urged the team on, and a magnificent cross-pitch pass from Deane found Loxton who went achingly close, with the ball seemingly kissing the outside of the post.![]()
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Substitutions were made, with Burletson brought on to provide some excellent midfield running. Maylon in goal produced a series of saves, including a long range effort that he tipped expertly over the bar.![]()
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Warren looked lively, waving his teammates forward as they started pressing to get the next goal. In the end it was Hopper who provided the crucial pass, a superb body swerve and an inch perfect pass to Tidy saw a thumping shot that found the corner. Tidy Senior nearly started his own one-man pitch invasion in celebration.![]()
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Walker was superb in defence, Plumb tirelessly running to help out. Jouini controlled the midfield and took everybody on. Burletson was twisting and turning to win the midfield battle. It all looked like it was going to result in a goal when Warren found space down the right, effortlessly leaving the defender behind, and his looping cross left the goalie stranded. But Tidy's outstretched boot just couldn't quite make contact, although the crowd were sure they heard the sound of ball brushing toe.![]()
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Plumb was back in goal and made save after save, in a display that brought back memories of Banks, Clemence, Shilton - take your pick. Jouini was on the move again, hurdling a couple of tackles before setting up Tidy but it went wide. Tidy then set up Hopper with a defence-splitting pass, but the goalie was up to the task.![]()
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Maylon was winning tackles in defence, bamboozling the attackers with a drag back and turn. Walker kept Cougars in the game with some superb interceptions. Warren and Loxton never stopped running, Jouini and Burletson made the midfield their own, Hopper and Deane hassled the Stotfold defenders, Plumb looked superb between the sticks. There may have only been the one goal from Tidy, but the crowd went home happy.![]()
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Well played Cougars!
Hope everyone is home safe and in the warm if you’ve been playing, refereeing or spectating this weekend #frozen #grassroots #footballfamily
Cold one predicted this weekend, wrap up warm everyone and good luck in all your games #grassroots #footballfamily
Fantastic to see so many kids playing football at @HighfieldParkTr this morning. Loving being part of the @CityYouthFC family. Many thanks to Graham and his team from @BuntCougars for a great match!