HEREFORD FC have stated that they are not running their junior Academy sides or its two women’s teams for the 2020/2021 season.

The club have cited social distancing measures and the expected ‘limited commercial sponsorship’ as two reasons for not running the teams.

The Bulls board hope to revive the Academy in the future.

A statement released by the club said: “It is with regret that the Board of Directors of Hereford FC announce that they have taken the difficult decision to not run the Hereford FC Academy, including the Womens teams, for the 2020/21 season.

"Following the suspension of activities on March 23rd, after the Government’s closure of schools, a full review of the Academy structure and operations has taken place, taking into account the likely social distancing guidance that will be expected over the coming months, and the possibility of limited football activity for the 2020/21 season.

"Limitations on travel, the need for households to remain apart, and the social distancing in public spaces means that the methods of training and playing matches will have to change substantially from previous seasons. Unfortunately this will come at a substantially increased cost due to the additional space and time required.

"The costs of running the Academy came through subscriptions from the parents, sponsorship, and fundraising from a variety of sources. It is already clear to us that commercial sponsorship will be limited for the coming season, with the whole economy suffering a sharp downturn. This downturn will also affect parents and the fundraising the Academy does to achieve a break-even status.

"The Board hopes to revive the Academy in future seasons, but it must take the opportunity to thank all the players, parents, coaches, staff, volunteers, and supporters that have made the last two seasons memorable.”