HEREFORDSHIRE FA have announced a support package to help clubs return back to football following Covid-19.

The county football association says its priority remains planning and preparing for the resumption of football at a time when it is safe to do so.

The support package includes a new funding pot 'for clubs to apply for additional funds to assist with pre-season preparations and new season running expenses'.

Other support for the 2020/21 season includes:

. Club affiliation and County Cup entry fees will be reduced by 50 per cent.

. Herefordshire FA will continue to pay public liability insurance for each club at a cost of £25 per club.

. Personal Accident Insurance fees will be reduced by 15 per cent.

. Affiliation fees will be deferred until we are advised that football activity is permitted to re-commence (the affiliation window will still open on June 1 for club volunteers to access and complete as they wish)

In a statement Herefordshire FA said: "Clubs, participants and members of the football community have all been impacted by COVID-19 and we have been working with our key partners including The FA and Bluefin Sport Insurance to ensure football remains accessible for all next season.

"As a result, we are able to confirm a series of measures we will be putting in place to support football clubs in Herefordshire for the 2020/21 season.

"As the county FA, we will continue striving to develop football across Herefordshire and support clubs, players, referees, coaches and volunteers as usual. If there are clubs or participants with specific needs or issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch."

Herefordshire FA would like to remind clubs that there is further national support available:

. Sport England Community Emergency Fund (deadline May 14)

. Football Foundation Pitch Preparation Fund (deadline May 25)

"Herefordshire FA will continue to follow government and FA advice as we assess and prepare for a safe return to football," the statement added.

For more information please contact: info@HerefordshireFA.com