THE HEREFORDSHIRE FA are paying some of the Sunday side's costs this season as the traditional league continues to reduce in size.

Last season saw eight teams competing in the HFA County Sunday League and Cup competitions, but this has reduced to five applicants for the forthcoming 2018/19 campaign.

Just three of last season's teams remain including Hereford City and The Lion while Burghill have been re-named Credenhill.

Last season's winners Bromyard Colts have withdrawn along with Roebuck Inn, The Barrels and Hay St Marys.

New to the league this season are Whitecross and Dorstone.

In a bid to encourage teams the HFA are offering existing teams up to £300 to help cover the cost of facilities, referees and kit for the 2018/19 season as part of a new Sunday Fund.

They have received four applicants and offered £900 worth of funding as well as a starter pack worth over £400 to one of the new sides including a new Nike kit and other equipment including match balls and training balls.

As part of the HFA's aim to protect and develop the Sunday League, a survey was carried out earlier this year to gain the opinions and ideas of those involved.

In total over 140 people responded to the survey and the cost of participation was highlighted as the number one barrier to participation.

The lack of teams was also highlighted as an area for improvement.

Over the last few years the Sunday League has seen a drop from 24 teams in the 2014/15 season to 12 in 2016/17, eight last season to five applicants for this coming campaign.

The league is still open to new teams and the HFA would like to encourage applications from potential teams. If anybody is interested in playing Sunday Football please contact info@HerefordshieFA.com or 01432 342179.