Ahead of the 2025/26 season, I took the initiative to redesign Watford FC's Junior Hornets Activity Booklet, a free matchday publication for young supporters. Recognising that the previous offering had become dated, my goal was to create a highly engaging, interactive piece to better connect with a new generation of fans and elevate matchdays at Vicarage Road.

Creative Direction, Editorial Design, Illustration, Print Design, Content Design

Two children, one holding a Max Alleyne poster, both wearing Watford football jerseys at the stadium.

The redesigned booklet featured refreshed quizzes and activities, an interactive matchday squad list, and bespoke fold-out posters.

Alongside establishing the publication's visual direction, I developed a flexible format that could be updated and customised throughout the season. I designed and produced every edition, creating new activities, updating content and designing a unique poster.

While I worked closely with editorial colleagues to refine content and with the wider design team for development, the creative direction and day-to-day delivery of the booklet sat with me.

Three illustrations of Harry the Hornet wearing yellow Watford football jerseys on a red background, one holding a scarf, one kicking a football, and one celebrating.Illustration of a yellow boombox, drum with sticks, football, and a hand holding a Watford wallet on red background.

The project began with a new suite of Harry the Hornet illustrations, including Harry recreating Odion Ighalo's iconic celebration. These assets gave the publication a more distinctive visual identity while providing greater flexibility throughout the season.

Map of England with 24 red dots marking Championship teams and a list to fill their names.2020/21 Bristol City game lineup with player numbers in formation and empty name slots to fill in.Festive football scramble guessing game with anagram clues for Watford players and answer spaces.Watford Quiz of the Year with eight football questions about key players and matches in 2025.

A key focus of the redesign was rethinking the activities and quizzes. I moved away from traditional trivia towards interactive challenges tailored to younger supporters. Throughout the season, I designed custom activities that helped fans engage with the club's history and players in a fun, accessible way.

Football stat sheet with Watford and Birmingham City player names and blank stats checkboxes.Two columns of soccer player names with numbers and empty checkboxes, final score boxes, and match moment lines.Two columns of soccer player names with numbers and empty checkboxes, final score boxes, and match moment lines.

I also redesigned the squad list, transforming it from a static information page into a matchday companion. Supporters could track key moments, record the final score, and create a personal record of the match.

Yellow poster of Watford football player Vivaldo Semedo raising his fists in celebration.Poster of Othmane Maamma, FIFA U-20 World Cup winner, in Watford FC football jersey holding a Morocco flag.Watford football player Egil Selvik in a festive sweater holding wrapped Christmas gifts with 'Merry Christmas' text on the card.Poster of football player James Abankwah in yellow Watford jersey on grass background.Football player Luca Kjerrumgaard in yellow jersey celebrating with fans reaching out under Happy New Year 2026 text.Football player Nathan Baxter in Watford goalkeeper jersey with gloves, smiling for a portrait card.

Each edition featured a bespoke fold-out poster celebrating key players, moments and milestones.

The flexible visual system also allowed the booklet to evolve around key club moments and campaigns. Special editions were produced for the Elton John Special Edition Kit launch, the EFL and Panini sticker collection launch, and Graham Taylor Matchday, each featuring bespoke artwork, tailored activities and custom posters.

Child in black jacket holds Watford v Portsmouth match program with mascot and match details.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was seeing supporters actively engage with the publication on matchdays. Fans completed activities before kick-off, collected posters throughout the season and even had players sign their booklets.

The redesign contributed to an enhanced junior supporter experience, helping the club achieve a Silver Award in the EFL Family Excellence Scheme after receiving Bronze Awards in the previous two seasons. The Junior Hornets Activity Booklet was highlighted as a contributing factor.

Photography:  Ben 'Dusty' Rhodes & Alan Cozzi
Editorial: Dan Palmer & Tom Wicks
Design: Luke Burford, Jaden Haynes, Jemima Godwin, & Niall Walsh