THE benefits of local football clubs to the community was a theme stressed by former England international Trevor Brooking on his visit to Hereford on Monday.

Brooking, the newly appointed FA director of football development, was in the city to officially open Westfields' new allpay.park stadium and also launched the linked Football Academy at Hereford Sixth Form College.

The former Sport England official described his new role in football as "exciting" and containing three main elements - the coaching structure, the national team, and, most importantly, the game at grass roots level.

He said that Westfields' progress was an example of what could be achieved with the benefit of aid schemes which were essential to development.

"For the past 15 to 20 years sport has been hugely neglected by governments in terms of investment," he said.

Many people who directed our lives did not understand what football could deliver for the community in the ways of health and bringing new values to disenchanted youth.

"Lots of youngsters never get the chance to play sport, but the police know its value to the nation and are funding schemes," said Brooking.

"We must fight for our corner," he added, referring to the Government spending revue which is underway.

He congratulated Westfields chief executive Andy Morris on what had been achieved at the new ground, which is near Widemarsh Common, and looked forward to seeing how the project advanced.

Andy Morris, a founder of the club 37 years ago, thanked Brooking and Hereford MP Paul Keetch, who also had a role in the opening ceremony, for their help in the £250,000 project which received major backing from the Football Foundation and the Football Stadia Development Fund.

He said that Westfields, formed in the year England won the World Cup, had progressed from friendly games through to Midland Alliance status this season.

The new facility housed eight teams ranging from under-eights to two senior sides and was also used by the Sixth Form College, who are the landlords. Sponsorship from allpay ensured a 30-year tenure to provide football for the community.