THE Herefordshire Football Association has joined in partnership with one of the county’s biggest employers.

Avara Foods will also become lead cup partner of the HFA in the 2022-23 season, covering its County Challenge, Women’s County, Giantkillers, Charity Bowl, Youth Cup, Under-16 Girls and Under-14 Girls competitions.

In addition the HFA will be running a range of health and wellbeing initiatives for Avara employees and the company’s team will be utilising volunteer days, to benefit the Herefordshire football community.

This follows on from Avara’s support of the inaugural Thank You Trophy, a small-sided summer festival at the HFA SSAFA County Ground, with all proceeds supporting the NHS and SSAFA Herefordshire.

The new partnership sees Avara continue its support the festival for the next two years.

Alan Darfi, HFA chief executive said: ‘’It is fantastic to be able to announce an exciting partnership, with one of the county’s largest employers.

“Avara’s support of the Thank You Trophy was fantastic, ensuring that over £1,500 was raised for local charities, so it is great to be able to confirm the festival will be returning for the next two summers.

“Avara were keen to explore other ways they could help the local community and it is fantastic to confirm the other parts of the partnership at the same time.

“With 10,000 registered regular participants in the county and a wide volunteer support network, most of the football community has some connection to Avara and it is great to see Avara is keen to support this network, in a range of ways.

“Also, that Avara was keen to explore how its team can benefit from the undeniable positives of regular activity.”

Marcus Billig, Avara Foods site manager, added: “Building on the success of the Thank You Trophy earlier this year, we’re really pleased to broaden this relationship, opening up new opportunities to engage and support initiatives that can help the community more widely, in partnership with HFA.

“We’re committed to supporting our local communities, and with thousands of people playing football across Herefordshire, this partnership is a great way to do that: driving participation in grassroots sport, encouraging friendly competition, and also, in the case of the Thank You trophy, raising money for some great local causes.”

For further details email: info@herefordshirefa.com