AN FA report into the social and economic value of adult grassroots football in England has highlighted the game in Herefordshire as worth over £35 million.

The report found that regular grassroots football in England has a social wellbeing value of £8.7billion, with players reporting significantly higher levels of general health, confidence, motivation and trust compared with those who play other sports.

Lower income groups in particular were found to experience some of the greatest quality-of-life benefits from football compared with higher income groups, specifically in their health and confidence levels.

Despite this value, only one in three grass pitches are of adequate quality across the country, while one in six matches are called off due to poor pitch quality.

This is why The FA is in the middle of a nationwide analysis, creating demand-led assessments of the pitch supply needs of every local authority in England through the creation of local football facility plans.

Locally this has already had an impact with two new 3-G artificial pitches currently under construction in Herefordshire.

Simon Panes, Herefordshire County FA Chief Executive said: "We are very proud of the work we have produced in the county and the positive results the research found.

"This report proves the benefits football brings to the local community as well as to the participants who take part.

"The Herefordshire FA will continue to contribute to the social and economic value within adult grassroots football."