To celebrate the Armed Forces in Herefordshire we are hosting a Football Festival on Sunday 7^th July. This is a celebration of everything Armed Forces but also an opportunity to create awareness of Mental Health in Herefordshire, not only for those who are directly affected but also for family, friends and carers who may have their lives affected by those who struggle with their Mental Health.

The Herefordshire FA has been working closely with the Civilian Military Task Group (CMTG) over the last couple of months to organise a football event in Herefordshire. CMTG consist of the Herefordshire Veteran Support Group, Veteran Rehab Centre (HR4K), Defence Medical Welfare Service, 2gether Trust, Combat Stress and Help for Heroes. All are excited about the opportunity to get involved with something positive that can offer help and support to people in Herefordshire.

The venue for the day will be Victoria Park, the home of United in the Community (UITC) who have kindly offered their facilities for free for the whole day as they acknowledge the positive impact an event like this can have on people and want support and help create awareness for a great cause.

We have further support on the day from Hereford Untied Supporters Trust (HUST) Herefordshire FA Youth Council, Herefordshire Mind and Hereford Hospital Radio and we encourage others to let the HFA know if they too would like to support the festival.

Herefordshire FA’s Football Development Officer Scott Russell said “Football is a great way to engage with people and making it a perfect platform to bring people together. I’m proud to be a Herefordian and I’m proud to celebrate our Armed Forces and show appreciation to everyone who is or has served. But it’s not just those serving and/or veterans that can suffer, people like you and me, the general public can also suffer with their Mental Health, It’s my wish to bring everyone together and promote all the good work that currently goes on in Herefordshire, it’s important as one in four suffer with their Mental Health.” Scott is also the HFA Mental Health First Aid Champion.

The day will consist of a Cadets 5-a-side tournament in the morning, followed by a Women’s 11-a-side match and finishing with a Men’s 11-a-side match. During the games there will be organisations and Charities promoting Mental Health and educating people that want to learn more and support those who maybe are currently suffering. There will be events for people to take part in, which will be provided by UITC. An army Chef will be producing hot food on the day. 

Outgoing HFA CEO Jonny Walker who has backed the plans for Festival said: “We are excited for the 7^th July and feel this could be a significant event in Herefordshire that engages people who suffer with their Mental Health. We hope to see a good turn out to celebrate our Armed Forces, and we look forward to the general public enjoying the activities that will be on show, whilst gaining a better understanding of Mental Health and giving pathways to those who are needing support.”

For further information, please contact:

Scott Russell
Football Development Officer (Disability, Inclusion & Recreation)
Scott.Russell@herefordshirefa.com