HFA are delighted to confirm it has appointed Jamie Pitman as Technical Director for the Boys Development Centre and that it has entered into a partnership with PACES Performance Centre to deliver the Foundation Phase (U8-U11).

Herefordshire FA CEO Alan Darfi said “We are thrilled to announce both Jamie as Technical Director and PACES as Foundation Phase provider following a thorough application process involving an interview panel with representatives from the FA, HFA Board and HFA Safeguarding Team.

The quality of the applications received was exceptional, but Jamie stood out for the Technical Director role not only for his knowledge, skills and experience, but also his passion for creating the best possible experience on and off the field, for the players, coaches, parents and everyone else involved.

As both a UEFA A qualified coach and FA Affiliated Tutor, with over 350 appearances as a professional footballer and 80 as a Manager in League 2, Jamie clearly brings a wealth of football experience. However, it was Jamie’s passion and desire to create the best possible experience that really shone through for the Technical Director role.

Working with fellow PACES Director Jim McGettrick, both Jamie and Jim already deliver a truly excellent coaching programme in PACES and an exceptional service as technical coordinators on the HFA Girls’ Development Programme, and we are looking forward to continuing to develop the whole centre moving forward.

Jamie and Jim have already demonstrated their ability to deliver a high-quality Foundation Phase provision over the past few seasons in Herefordshire through PACES. We feel that their values as an organisation clearly link with our own and reflect exactly what we are looking to build. We are delighted to enter into a partnership with PACES to deliver the Foundation Phase and are looking forward to developing a close working relationship’’.

Jamie Pitman said “I am delighted to become the Technical Director of Herefordshire FA Boys Development Centre. It is great that the County FA have devised a plan to ensure that players from the area have a clear pathway for the future. I am really looking forward to getting started and developing a structure within the county that supports players and coaches, as well as our vital grassroots clubs. With this joined up approach we will be able to provide players in Herefordshire with a positive football experience.”

Jim McGettrick said “Having worked hard over the past three years to provide a high-quality foundation phase football centre for local children to attend, it will be great to be involved in a co-ordinated plan for player development across the county. We are looking forward to continuing to develop the current players that we have in our centres, as well as opening more opportunities for others to attend. “

Head Coaches will now be appointed via an open application process, with interviews to take place shortly. The deadline for application has been extended to 5pm on Monday 8 June 2020.

Player registration for trials is still available via this link:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9ba0be49406e4ea092af0be2a91d7a0d

Trial dates will be confirmed once we have more information about when it will be safe to resume football.