Hereford Sixth Form College (‘HSFC’), Hereford FC (‘HFC’) and Herefordshire FA (‘HFA’) enter into long-term partnership to deliver an U18 Football Academic Programme.

HSFC, HFC and HFA are delighted to announce that they have entered into a partnership to deliver a Football Academic Programme for both boys and girls, starting in September 2022.

From 2022, the well-respected Football programme currently delivered by HSFC will be rebranded, with the partners stating that the addition of both HFC and HFA will develop the programme into something truly special for 16-18-year olds across Herefordshire and beyond.

Students attending the programme are offered the opportunity to develop both their education and football, with coaching from top-quality coaches alongside a competitive games programme and top-quality college education.

Josh Gowling (Hereford FC 1^st team manager) will play an active role in setting the playing philosophy for the centre, the team will play under HFC branding and players will have the chance to play at Edgar Street, alongside a range of other opportunities.

Andy Douthwaite, HSFC Head of Sport said "Linking our existing programme to the HFA and HFC will provide a quality infrastructure to help provide a dual focus for local footballers, outstanding academic opportunity combined with high quality football provision."

Josh Gowling, HFC 1st Team Manager commented "Myself and the football club are delighted with this partnership. It gives a platform for young people in Hereford to receive not only a quality education but also the best football coaching. I will be working closely with the football programme so that we can coach these young aspiring football players the identity of HFC. If any make the grade, this will make the transition into the first team a lot smoother."

Jon Hale, HFC Chairman said “HFC are delighted to enhance our community partnerships with likeminded organisations to the benefit of all. Importantly, this will provide the students with a strong bond between the three partners, playing under the HFC badge within a fantastic educational platform and with the backbone of the hugely supportive HFA. We are delighted to be a part of it.”

Alan Darfi, HFA Chief Executive added "The opportunity to enter into a partnership with both HSFC and HFC was an absolute no-brainer for us.

When we expanded our Player Development Centre, which is run by Jamie Pitman (PACES coaching and former Hereford United Manager), we agreed that we would enter into a partnership to offer something for players once they reached 16.

It was essential that this provided not only an excellent footballing experience but, more importantly, a solid education. Also, that the programme was open to a broad range of students, pursuing all manner of paths.

The fact that HSFC offers the programme to all students, including those completing A Levels as well as BTEC’s, was a massive incentive. In addition, given the fact that our Girls Development Centre is so successful, it is fantastic that the programme is open to girls, as well as boys.

We cannot wait to get started and are certain this programme will be of huge benefit to the County.’’

For further details on the current programme, please click here.

The new programme will be launched at the start of the 2022 academic year.