THE Herefordshire FA chief says that an extension to their partnership with Armed Forces Charity, SSAFA, will provide ‘essential investment’ into grassroots football.

The county FA has announced an extension of the existing partnership with SSAFA Herefordshire until the end of the 2028-29 season, securing SSAFA Herefordshire as lead partner for both the SSAFA County Ground and the SSAFA Super 6 competition for the next five years.

SSAFA provide lifelong support to regulars, reserves and veterans of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families.

They offer practical, emotional and financial support for serving personnel, veterans as well as their families. Their clients range from 20 to 100 years old and in the last three years SSAFA Herefordshire have sourced more than £150,000 to support those in need within the county and have helped over 350 local service men and women, veterans and their families.

SSAFA Herefordshire and the HFA entered into a wide-ranging partnership in 2022, with the HFA’s HQ on Widemarsh Common becoming known as the SSAFA County Ground and the HFA’s weekly small-sided competition becoming known as the SSAFA Super Sixes.

Alan Darfi, Herefordshire FA chief executive officer said: “I am absolutely thrilled we have managed to agree with SSAFA Herefordshire for them to continue as lead partner across both the SSAFA County Ground and the SSAFA Super 6 competition.

“The existing partnership is a really strong one and it is fantastic that this will be continuing for the next five years, ensuring not only essential investment into grassroots football, but also that we help to put a spotlight on the fantastic work of SSAFA Herefordshire, who provide a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in times of need.

“Many thanks go to Air Commodore Tim Howson DL, SSAFA Herefordshire Chairman and Kevin Ebsworth, SSAFA Herefordshire Treasurer, for their support in terms of making this happen and we are all looking forward to continuing to work with the organisation.’’

Air Commodore Tim Howson DL, SSAFA Herefordshire Branch Chair added: “Herefordshire is a county that prides itself on its strong links with the armed forces, and our partnership with the Herefordshire Football Association (HFA) has taken SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity's name and understanding of our work to a much wider audience within the county.

“Not only are the excellent facilities at the County Ground now routinely called The SSAFA County Ground, the wider reach of all HFA publicity to all corners of this rural county has grown the awareness of our charity far more effectively than we could do on our own.

“As a bonus, we have also raised funds through collections at matches. We are delighted that the partnership has been extended for a further period.” For more information, email: info@herefordshirefa.com