Herefordshire Football Association and Hereford FC are delighted to announce they are entering into a 3-year partnership in respect of the existing HFA Player Development Centre, commencing from the start of the 2022-2023 season.

Having launched a Girl’s Development Centre in 2016 and successfully adding a Boy’s Development Centre in 2020, the HFA Player Development Centre provides additional weekly sessions to over 180 boys and girls, supporting and developing players and coaches from across Herefordshire.

The rebranded Player Development Centre will continue to be operated by the HFA, with both parties excited about the benefits that Hereford FC will bring.

Alan Darfi, Herefordshire FA Chief Executive Officer said: "Despite the fact the current centre is running extremely successfully, the opportunity to bring Hereford FC into the mix was too appealing not to progress, particularly given the obvious benefits this will bring for players and coaches within the centre. The overall aim of the centre will remain to create a safe, positive, football environment for talented players and aspiring coaches from Herefordshire, with a participant centred focus, with the centre’s purpose being to not only support and develop these individuals, but also football across the County generally. We are really excited about working with Hereford FC to further improve the centre’s offering and are delighted to be able to finally announce this partnership."

Jon Hale, Hereford FC Chairman said:

"This was an opportunity that we felt enhanced our standing both in the local community and within the Herefordshire FA, but most importantly one that can help local young footballers and coaches with their progression within a safe and trusted football environment. The player development centre will benefit from the Hereford FC DNA through its training programmes and player development, and we are thrilled to be working alongside the Herefordshire FA on this partnership. It is another great step forward for the club, and we are excited to be a part of this going forward."

To hear what Josh Gowling, Hereford FC First Team Manager said, Click Here.

Following an open application process, the HFA is also delighted to announce that Jonathan Nash, Hereford FC Community Engagement Manager, has been appointed as the Player Development Centre Technical Director

Alan Darfi, said: "following a rigorous interview process, it is great to have an individual with the experience of Jonathan heading up the newly re-branded centre. Not only does Jonathan bring significant experience from previous roles at Newport County, Swansea City and the Welsh Football Trust, but his enthusiasm and ideas for the centre were great to see. We’re really looking forward to Jonathan getting up and running in this role shortly, which he will deliver alongside his existing commitments’’

To hear what Jonathan Nash, newly appointed PDC Technical Director said, Click Here.