A COUNTY teenager has been assigned with delivering recreational football in Herefordshire.

Tom Mason is the first ever football development and coaching apprentice at the Hereford Football Association (HFA), which is being backed by the McDonald's franchise in Hereford city centre.

The 17-year-old already has a lot of experience in youth football in the county and says he is excited about the challenge ahead.

"I got injured when playing football and I wanted to stay in the game," said Tom.

"I'm really passionate about football and I haven't stopped since.

"I've out in 300 plus volunteer hours and I just want to make a difference."

Tom, who went to Whitecross High School, has been involved in youth football for three years, with a heavy emphasis on futsal.

He has been mentored by the FA's skills coaches and says it was important that he got challenged.

"I went to the National Future Football Camp at St Georges Park in Burton and I got lots of coaching experience," said Tom.

"There were some really good people there and it was probably the best experience I could ever have had within football."

The HFA are being funded £4,000 a year by the FA to deliver the two-year pilot project and are the only rural county in the UK to be given the opportunity.

Roger Goodwin, football strategy manager at the HFA, says an eleven versus eleven coaching centre will be created, as well as an Under-21 girls centre to help women who have dropped away from the game.

The Futsal League is also going to be rejuvenated, said Mr Goodwin, while the organisation are looking to increase their walking football opportunities in the county, with another one being set up in Leominster.

"We are the only rural county to be given this opportunity based on our track record of what we have done in the last couple of years," said Mr Goodwin.

"That has led to Tom, who is a local lad, coming into position and being our first ever football development and coaching apprentice.

"The amount of varied experience he has got is top drawer and we are really pleased as an organisation that we have got him on board.

"We have every confidence that he will do a great job."

An adult league coaching session is set to start at the end of the month, which will take place at 9.30am on Saturday mornings at Hereford Leisure Centre.

Mr Goodwin says it is vital that the HFA try and ensure that as many people as possible stay within football.

"Lifestyles have changes in the last ten to 15 years but there are exit routes for people," said Mr Goodwin.

"They just want to get their love of the game back but we are here and can advise them."

Anyone wishing to know more information about the role can email TomMason@HerefordshireFA.com or Roger.Goodwin@HerefordshireFA.com