Hartlepool United is reminding supporters of updated National League Ground Regulations relating to supporters aged 13 and under (Under-14s).
While the requirement for Under-14 supporters to attend matches at Victoria Park with a responsible adult has been in place at Pools for a number of seasons, it has now been adopted across The National League and forms part of the League’s updated Ground Regulations for the 2026/27 season.
Introduced following consultation with member clubs and policing partners, the new league-wide regulations are designed to strengthen safeguarding arrangements by ensuring every Under-14 supporter attending a National League fixture is accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over throughout their visit to the stadium.
What supporters need to know
·      Supporters aged 13 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over to enter Victoria Park.
·      Under-14 tickets can only be purchased alongside an adult ticket.
·      The responsible adult must remain with the Under-14 supporter throughout their visit to Victoria Park and cannot leave them to watch the match from another area of the stadium or leave the ground before them.
·      Supporters aged 14 to 17 may continue to attend matches unaccompanied but cannot act as the responsible adult for an Under-14 supporter.
Stewards and matchday staff may ask any young supporter who appears to be under the age of 18 to provide proof of age where appropriate.
To support supporters aged 14 to 17 who may not have photographic identification, or who do not wish to bring important documents such as passports to matches, Hartlepool United will issue free Club ID cards.Supporters wishing to obtain a Club ID card should visit the Ticket Office with a passport-sized photograph and proof of date of birth. The card will be issued free of charge and is valid only for the named individual. The Club reserves the right to withdraw or revoke any ID card that is misused.
If a responsible adult cannot be identified, or the accompanying adult and child become separated, the Club may take appropriate safeguarding action in accordance with The National League Ground Regulations, including refusing entry where necessary.
The Club’s online ticketing platform has been updated to reflect the National League’s requirements, meaning Under-14 tickets cannot be purchased without an accompanying adult ticket.
These regulations are already in operation at Victoria Park and will continue to apply throughout the 2026/27 season.
Supporters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated National League Ground Regulations before purchasing tickets and attending matches at Victoria Park.
If you have any questions or would like to apply for a free Club ID card, please contact the Hartlepool United Ticket Office or call into the Club before matchday.
