HEREFORDSHIRE football bodies are working hard to ensure that more young players extend their involvement in the sport outside school hours.

The Herefordshire Football Association, Herefordshire School Sports partnerships and county clubs are working with a national FA programme called 3 Lions FC School-Club Links that encourages and supports schoolchildren who do not currently play for a club to move from school-based football to a suitable football club.

The FA provides funding, administration and coaching resources to assists clubs and schools with the delivery of the programme.

"Local clubs were contacted and invited to sign up to the link programme," said HFA football development officer Paul Carpenter.

"Nine clubs responded initially, linked to 27 Herefordshire schools. We arranged meetings between the clubs and schools to ensure that both parties were happy with the links and to organise the school-based coaching sessions delivered by the club."

Carpenter added that he was encouraged by the number of children feeding into clubs and that it was planned to extend the programme to more schools and clubs in the future.

More details are available from Paul Carpenter on 01432 342179 or email paul.carpenter@herefordshirefa.com

l The HFA in partnership with the FA's National Football Workforce programme would like to recognise and reward the efforts of volunteers who are supporting grassroots football in Hereford-shire.

Clubs, schools, leagues and other organisations are invited to nominate individuals who they feel have made a significant contribution to football within their club, school, league or organisation during season 2004/2005. Nominations are invited for two categories, Young Volunteer (under 18) and Adult Volunteer (18 and over).

The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 5. Nomination forms are available from Paul Carpenter on 01432 342179.