WELL it certainly hasn’t been the beginning I was anticipating when I started back in March, with football prematurely ending a week later.

Despite this challenge, I’m delighted to have joined the Herefordshire FA and I am really looking forward to getting football back, so we can continue doing what we do best, supporting football across Herefordshire.

One of the main reasons I wanted the role here was it was clear that great things were happening, particularly given the development of our fantastic 3G pitch.

Although I am yet to actually see anyone use it, it seems the end is in sight and it is great to have some activity this weekend, with taster sessions running for our new boy’s development centre, which complements our girl’s centre.

We have been inundated with interest and I think these sessions will provide a great insight into what the centre will deliver under Jamie Pitman as technical director, a safe, positive, football environment for talented players and aspiring coaches from Herefordshire, with a participant centred focus.

Whilst any activity is great, I know most are looking forward to competitive grassroots football returning, as are we.

We continue to work with the FA and are hopeful that a timetable will be produced shortly.

In the meantime, we continue to provide support so that, as soon as we can, we are good to go.

It has been great to see so many clubs take advantage of pots of money that have become available, including the HFA Club Support Fund, which we’ll be confirming the successful applicants for shortly.

I’ve mentioned it before, but what has become really apparent in my time here is the quality and passion of those involved in football in the county.

It has been fantastic to meet those that I have been able to (all Covid-19 compliant I hasten to add) and I’m really looking forward to meeting more as soon as I can.

Hopefully by the time I write this column next month, I’ll have been able to do so in easier circumstances, I like most am getting bored of virtual meetings!

By Herefordshire FA Chief Executive Officer, Alan Darfi