THE manager of United in the Community (UITC) hopes Hereford FC are still looking at some of their players.

Max Harris, Harry Franklin and George Hayes are all on the Bull's books after going through the UITC rank,s while Greg Preece and Dan Pugh have been involved in the set-up.

But Rory Huntbach has gone on to join Shrewsbury Town while a number of other UITC products have joined academies elsewhere.

Luke Shuttleworth says the plan is still get as many of their boys into the Bulls first team and be the official pathway.

"Against Lads Club in pre-season, I think we had 13 boys turn out," said Shuttleworth.

"George Hayes has signed this year and hopefully a few more will get the opportunity to train.

"Hopefully the pathway stays strong and more boys come from UITC and go to Hereford.

"A couple have gone elsewhere and done well.

"Three or four have gone to Yeovil, Shrewsbury and Newport County, so it's good for them.

"It shows that the boys we have are of academy standard and there's no doubt of the quality we have.

"We want to give them the best opportunity as possible."

Shuttleworth believes some will get the opportunity at Hereford if they are good enough.

"A lot of these boys play for other teams locally, so they are out there and getting the game time," he said.

"And while still with us, hopefully they're still under the watchful eye of Hereford FC."

Shuttleworth added that UITC are starting to reach out to a few more schools and have linked up with Cargill to offer healthy lifestyle days.

"We've got a couple signed on, so hopefully over the next school year, we will offer 1,500 to 2,000 students free health and nutritional advice with a couple of fitness activities," said Shuttleworth.

"We've got disability sessions that run weekly and have got the football side that is going really well.

"So, generally we're trying to grow and it's all positive."

UITC have eight teams from under-12 to under-18 level, which includes a women's team, while a development centre is on offer for under-7 to under-11 players.

The under-18 boys team gained promotion to Premier Division South of the Midland Floodlit Youth League last season were in sixth place going into last night's match at Rugby Town.

Steve Saunders, who manages the side, said there are about eight of last season's season's under-17 squad, while 10 of the under-16s have made the step up.

"We've got about eight of last season's under-17s teams and we've taken 10 of the under-16s to step up," said Saunders.

"There is a good mix of under-18s and under-17s making up the side, plus we've brought in a few new players.

"Austin Thomas has come in from Bartestree and Brandon Powell travels from Newport.

"We're trying to provide the pathway for Hereford FC.

"We've had a few successes with the likes of Rory, Harry and Max and now George had gone on this season and done well and Greg Preece and Dan Pugh are involved.

"I would like to think there's a few more boys knocking on the door soon."

Hereford drew 2-2 with Alvechurch in their last home game, which was played at Lads Club.

"Alvechurch did really well last season and finished runners-up in the league," added Saunders.

"It's our first season in it and I would probably take a point at home.

"We were probably unlucky not to win it at the end, but 2-2 is a fair result.

"We've played the majority of higher-graded teams and possibly should have beaten Lye Town.

"We were 2-0 up but threw it away it ended 2-2.

"But I think we're only two or three points off the top four, which is where we want to be.

"A top three finish has got to be our target."