Festival of Football A Success

Last Saturday in Hereford High Town saw what is hoped to be the first of many combined events between Hereford FC, the Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST) and the player pathway of United in the Community (UITC).

Mayor of Hereford Jim Kenyon and Edgar The Bull talk tactics

Mayor of Hereford Jim Kenyon and Edgar The Bull talk tactics

The purpose of the day was to engage with the public and highlight the various activities and aims of the 3 organisations, from commercial opportunities with Hereford FC, supporter engagement and membership with HUST, and the summer activities and education programme provided by UITC.

The event was kicked off by the Mayor of Hereford who took penalties at the Hereford FC mascot Edgar the Bull, before taking the role of goalkeeper whilst youngsters took turns to try and score.

Edgar beaten by sheer pace

Edgar beaten by sheer pace

Saturday’s High Town event allowed United in the Community to engage with children in the city, with the help of Edgar who enjoyed a stint in goal for a penalty shootout. With the Summer Holidays just around the corner, it gave staff chance to promote the upcoming Soccer Schools by giving out flyers to those who took part in the shootouts.

Laura Davies, UITC Development Officer, said, “It was great to see so many members of the public approach us and hold a genuine interest in what both UITC & HUST were promoting.

We were able to give out flyers and information regarding Soccer Schools, as well as talk about the Education Programme for 16-18 year olds.

It’s really important to us that we ensure people are aware of the services we offer and I feel we achieved this alongside HUST on Saturday. We look forward to the next big event.”

HUST and UITC volunteers meet the public

HUST and UITC volunteers meet the public

Russell Cheasley, Vice Chairman (Community) of HUST, said of the event, “This is the first time since Hereford FC was reformed that all 3 organisations have had the opportunity to work together. It was good to see youngsters enjoying the chance to kick a football at Edgar and to meet the public from near and far, all having an interest in what we are trying to achieve. I must thank all those that helped during the day, from the volunteers who ran the event, Jewsons who kindly supplied a generator and Herefordshire Council Markets & Fairs who helped enormously with ensuring we could get the event space. It undoubtedly shows that when it comes to football in Hereford we are all ‘United’.”