The HFA can confirm that CEO Alan Darfi will be leaving the HFA in August to start a new role as Senior Discipline Manager at the FA.

Having joined in March 2020, one week before the Covid pandemic, the past 4 years have been transformational for the organisation and all at the HFA would like to place on record our thanks to Alan for his hard work and determination leading the organisation during this period.

Whilst we are clearly disappointed to be losing Alan, we would like to congratulate him on his new role. The replacement CEO will take on an organisation that is in a very good place, with an excellent team.

Alan Darfi, departing CEO, said

‘’it is with a heavy heart that I have confirmed my departure from the HFA.

Whilst I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, the opportunity to take on a senior role at the FA was unfortunately too good to turn down.

It feels like good timing however, as we approach our next 4-year strategic cycle. The HFA enters this new period strongly, with all FA targets being delivered, meaning we have seen an increase in players, coach development, referees and pitches over the past 4 years.

In addition, the HFA now has redeveloped top-of-the-range facilities at the SSAFA County Ground, best-practice safeguarding processes that are nationally recognised, a solid financial base and gold standard governance scheduled to be achieved in December. All of this has been delivered collectively, with the HFA team frequently recognised as delivering excellence.

Having relocated to Herefordshire for the role, my family feel very settled in the County and we have no desire to move again, so I look forward to keeping in touch with those across the game, particularly our fantastic volunteer workforce, that we are extremely fortunate to have’’

The recruitment process has now commenced, with a deadline of 7 June 2024 to apply. For more details check the HFA website.