This week's 'View from Edgar Street' is Nick Vaughan, chairman of the board of trustees at United in the Community (UITC).

MOST Hereford supporters will only ever hear about the work of UITC when they see one of our boys made a break through into the first team.

In the last few months not only have five of our Under 18s already made first team appearances, but there has also been significant progress behind the scenes.

Our work covers many diverse areas.

We have Soccer Schools taking place all this week during half term, an ongoing BTEC Sports Diploma course for 24 scholars, a thriving academy for our children aged 12 all the through to 16 (93 players), a football development centre for under-11s and an extensive schools programme.

All this is supported by a professional team of dedicated coaches, physios and one full time member of staff.

I am pleased to report that the conveyor belt of talent remains strong and I cannot thank our coaches enough for all the work they are doing into developing our players.

We are also fortunate to have the experience and wisdom of our UITC Football Consultant, Gareth Davies to lean on.

We rely heavily on a group of dedicated volunteers who have willingly provided so much support behind the scenes.

Unfortunately since relegation from the Football League and latterly the Football Conference, there is no central funding support.

With the strain on our limited resources we are very grateful to Hereford FC for allowing us to make two collections at Edgar Street so far this season, together with sponsorship from HUST.

Whether it’s been a broken boiler, petrol for the minibuses, football kit or the collection against Quorn last Saturday, I am truly humbled at the level of support we have also had from local businesses and supporters - and most recently Cargill, through their support of community projects.

With this support we have considerably increased our coaching provision and revitalised our Victoria Park training facility which has seen recent renovations including a new kitchen.

Come next May I hope we will all be talking further about UITC players who have contributed to a promotion winning season for Hereford and some terrific performances from our young Academy players.

I invite all supporters to pop down and visit us at Belmont Abbey or Victoria Park with Academy matches taking place every Saturday morning in the Junior Premier League.

Our Under 18s are also home next Wednesday Leominster Town against Pegasus Juniors U18s, kick off 7:30pm).

For more details visit, playtheherefordway.com