News Round Up

Former Hereford United player Chris Hargreaves has been appointed Director of Academy Recruitment at Crystal Palace. This is his 38th season in the game.

Gateshead have confirmed that a sale agreement has been reached in principle with American based private investment company, Flacks Group, subject to Independent Football Regulator approval. 

Telford have loaned midfielder Isaac England from Shrewsbury Town. 

Matlock Town have appointed Nathan Haslam as their first-team manager, 

Merthyr have signed 21 year old foward  Japhet Matondo, who joins the club following his release from Stoke City. 

Defender Alex Whittle has joined Brackley from Farnborough.

Forward Rohan Vaughan has joined Spalding on loan from Harrogate Town.

Newport County midfielder Cole Jarvis has joined Merthyr Town on a short-term loan deal until January. 

Willis And Holmes Have 'Benefitted' From Two Week Break

 

A couple of the Hereford squad who have been out with injury since the start of the season have returned to training recently and are expected to be in contention for a place in the squad against Hednesford tomorrow.

Hereford haven't played for two weeks so there has been time for extra training.

"It's been good in one aspect as it's given us time to get a bit of extra work on the training ground but also get one or two players who were training but needed to get up to speed," said Downes in an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We've been able to give a couple of them mini pre-seasons. It's been good for that aspect.

"People like Joe Willis, Finn Holmes are really chomping at the bit now, they've benefitted from this two week break." 

We Want To Carry On Where We Left Off Said Downes

 

Despite not having played for two weeks, Hereford manager Aaron Downes is hopeful that will prove an advantage against Hednesford tomorrow afternoon.

""We want to carry on where we left off with our home form because we've been in good form at home," Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"It's nice to have a game, especially nice to have one at home, training has been intense, I feel we are in a good place, I feel we will be competitive tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it.

"The boys are really chomping at the bit.

"I just hope the boys can continue with the form.

"Sometimes it's nice to have a break, but it can go either way.

"It's my job to make sure it goes in our favour as far as the break benefits us." 

Gelato deal for fans attending Hednesford game

Fans attending Saturday's game between Hereford and Hednesford can enjoy a discounted ice cream.

Velluto Gelato, based over the road from Edgar Street at the Old Market, is offering two scoops for £2 for anyone who produces a match ticket.

All flavours are included, bit the deal is only valid for cups. For information, the weather is forecast to be dry all day with a maximum temperature of 14C. 

Both Clubs Have Recruited Well Said Downes

 

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has spoken about tomorrow's game against newly promoted Hednesford at Edgar Street.

"There is a bit of a jump from step three to step two," Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Both clubs have recruited well, I think both clubs have managed the step up very well.

"I'm sure both clubs will be pushing to the top end of the table come the end of the season.

"They've had a mixed start but a really good win last game against Radcliffe.

"They've made a couple of signings prior to the game that made an impact on the day so it's going to be a tough game, that's for sure.

"We have got to make sure we are aware of their threats and their dangers.

"It's my job to give a little bit of detail to the players but focus a lot more on what we are trying to do, trying to make sure we play in a way that can get the best out of our players, entertain the supporters and try and win the match." 

Meanwhile tickets for the game are selling well. Most of the main stand is sold out but there is space in both the Len Weston and the Meadow End. 

Hey big spenders!

Hereford FC host big-spending Hednesford on Saturday as they look to pick up where they left off in the National League North, after an enforced and unwanted mini-break. The Bulls’ blistering start to the season sees them top of the table, and everyone will be hoping that momentum hasn’t been dented by an early FA Cup exit and the resultant pause in league action.

As usual it’ll be a relief to return to Ben Bowen’s lovely live grass on Saturday after another plastic away-day at Bedford last time out, a last time out that seems like ages ago now.

Hednesford are still a little bit in the collecting-players-like-they’re-Panini-stickers phase of the new-found-wealth cycle, a cycle that has a tendency to pedal itself off a cliff edge if it’s not ridden sensibly. In the Pitmen’s case it seems that sustainable investment is the name of the game with infrastructure improvements at Keys Park given at least as much priority as the Panini aspect. Proper club, good to see them on an upward trajectory.

Their latest Panini sticker is Danny Whitehall from Scunthorpe. The 6’ 3” Liverpudlian reliably scores a goal every other game at this level, and is presumably being paid Scunthorpe-ish money. He’s played once for his new club and impressively contributed three assists in that one appearance.

Since gaining promotion last season, and being tipped in some quarters to go up again off the back of their new-found wealth, Hednesford haven’t found things easy in the National League North so far. However, last time they won 4-1 at home to struggling Radcliffe. Ex-Halifax midfielder and top scorer Jamie Cooke got two of the goals and ex-Bull Ahkeem Rose got one. Another ex-Bull Omari Sterling-James is in and out of the starting XI. That win moved them up to 15th, three points clear of the relegation places.

They’ve won just one of their five away games so far, at Paul Caddis’s King’s Lynn. Dylan Mottley-Henry scored in that game, and the ex-Chester man is one to be mindful of.

Cooke, Mottram-Henry, Rose, Whitehall and ex-Yeovil striker Aaron Jarvis represent a potent attacking threat, with OSJ pulling the strings behind. Plenty to keep Kyle Howkins and Will Merrett on their toes, a central defensive partnership that has generally been excellent so far this season.

They had the weekend off last week, as like Hereford they lost in the Cup at the first time of asking to lower-graded opposition, in their case 1-0 at home against Coventry United.

So they’ve got plenty about them in attacking positions, but they’ll be rightly concerned about the strength the hosts have in those areas. The three Hereford strikers are scoring freely, particularly Harrison Iwunze, as is Billy Phillips. Supporters will be keen to get a proper look at new arrival Kameron Muir who, despite being only 17, looks to be a very promising loan acquisition indeed.

Long-term absentee Joe Willis could make his senior club debut in some capacity here too, and given the Downes-Pell recruitment record so far, his introduction is something else supporters will eagerly anticipate.

Keziah Martin will possibly be back in the Hereford squad for this one after suffering from some tendonitis in his foot recently. A quality player who will contribute significantly over the course of the season to the push for promotion.

Thankfully there are still things money can’t buy, one of which is the team spirit Aaron Downes and Harry Pell have instilled in this Bulls squad.

Hopefully good players will continue to be attracted to Edgar Street by the lure of playing in front of a crowd, even if they’re getting paid less than at some smaller clubs. By definition you then get players with something of the right calibre about them rather than money-grabbers. Certainly this season’s HFC crop, as well as being a hugely talented group, seem like a very nice bunch of human beings too, whilst at the same time not being averse to a yellow card or two. A good balance.

Aaron Downes’ post-match interview after Bedford showed how invested he is in this, how bloodlessly Australian he is in pursuit of being a winner, how irritated he was at the late equaliser, but how capable he is of expressing that irritation rationally and articulately, and not having to blast hairdryers in people’s faces. His ‘the players owe us two points’ comment dripped with uncompromising authority, all the more so as it was delivered in a measured way.

However…no wins in two. No wins since narrowly scraping past South Shields almost a month ago. Only two points clear at the top. Disgraceful. Mr Downes needs to turn things around here with a much-needed win.

Given the Staffordshire side’s strength up top, this could be a bit of a belter for another bumper crowd to enjoy.

COYW

From The Archives - Hereford Defeat Hednesford

BN goes back to March 11th 2000 and a Nationwide Conference game between Hereford and Hednesford.

HEREFORD United 3 - 0 Hednesford Town

Hereford United went into this match hoping to extend their unbeaten to eleven matches, and aiming to move up to third in the league table. Due to the recall of Scott Cooksey and the sale of Mark Jones, Andy Quy was brought back into the first team after six months out with a knee tendon injury. Paul Fewings missed the match through injury, as did Ian Wright and Steve Piearce, but Mark Taylor was still recovering and was named as a substitute.

The first real effort of the game came with a good long ball into the box in the fourth minute. A quality ball from Parry was met by the head of Robin Elmes who headed it over the advancing Stuart Ford in the Hednesford goal to make the score one nil as his header from the far post was hit across goal into the net. However, Hednesford hit back immediately and in the fifth minute a long run from Twynham put him one-on-one with the 'keeper who jumped towards the ball and cleared. A minute later Hednesford had a corner which was headed wide of the goal.

However, it was Hereford who had the best of the play in the early stages. A Sturgess cross was knocked back but  Robin Elmes had his shot blocked. There were efforts for Hereford where the defence struggled to clear with goalmouth scrambles, but Hednesford had a good chance on twenty minutes when Quy had to clear with his legs. The clearance released Parry but the cross didn't match the run as it was cleared. Throughout the afternoon, Parry played well but when confronted by a defender stuttered and more often than not lost the ball. It was well be a day that the Chepstow born youngster will want to forget as he had a good run midway through the half but went down injured a metre from the sideline just outside the Hednesford area. However, it was at least thirty seconds until he was treated because play had moved to the other end of the field. He was soon back and ready to play on

Leroy May, up front for Hereford, was not on the ball in the first half and the Hereford United defence also made some mind-boggling passbacks when under pressure. On the half hour, however, Ian Rodgerson had a corner kick. It came into the box put was palmed away by the goalkeeper. Rodgerson played in the centre next to Snape and Clarke played out-wide on the right to make up for the loss of Mark Taylor through injury.

Matt Clarke had a good effort which went wide from a good piece of skill by Parry on thirty-two, but he clashed with the goalkeeper soon after and it resulted in him receiving treatment. There were no chances for either side in the rest of the half, as things got a bit scrappy.

The second half brought back the scrappy encounter that the fans had seen in the first, and this became apparent in the first minute with a goalmouth scramble. Eventually the United team scored but it was disallowed thanks to a foul. A minute later it was Hednesford's turn to attack, but Quy saved well from a freekick from twenty-five yards. On fifty minutes Hednesford had another chance thanks to Neil Davis, but Quy lifted the ball from his feet.

Scott Goodwin was yellow carded soon after a foul on Ian Rodgerson who had to receive treatment. A free kick was awarded wide on the United right thirty yards out but the 'keeper plucked the ball from the air. Matt Clarke had his shirt pulled on the hour, and Chris Brindley, Hednesford's centre back, was booked. The free-kick, in almost an identical position to the previous one, was passed to May in the box who turned but fired into the 'keeper's hands. Clarke had a good effort soon after, but it went wide. The referee was particularly impressive as he was up with the match, unlike some of his colleagues that have been asked to referee at Edgar Street this season!

With twenty-three minutes left, Hednesford's Twynham had a good run but, when one-on-one with Quy, fell over and Quy saved. Three minutes later, a foul on Clarke meant a corner but the home fans were protesting for a penalty. Hednesford made a substituation as Twynham who had been unimpressive upfront, was replaced by Ged Kimmins, and soon after replaced Ian Robertson with Stuart Airdrie. The home side brought off Parry for Williams. Further chances came, but none that really troubled either goalkeeper until Lane's long throw was met by Elmes. He couldn't get the shot in but managed to knock over the Hednesford 'keeper instead!

The second goal eventually came three minutes before time thanks to Gavin Williams. He made a great run from the half way line into the box and GOAL! United went 2-0 up. However, Jim Kelly was booked after the goal for fighting. The third goal, in added time, came from a Rodgerson corner. Elmes met it with a diving header to knock it past the goalkeeper and seal a convincing victory for Hereford United.

The man of the match award was given to John Snape who battled well in the midfield all afternoon and probably deserved the award.

Attendance = 2,122

Man of the match - John Snape

Hereford - Quy, Lane, James, Clarke, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Elmes, Sturgess

Sub who came on - Williams

Other subs - Subs not used: Rudall, Taylor, Warren, Shirley.  
 

Hednesford Preview For Hereford

Here's the Hednesford preview for Saturday's game at Edgar Street.

THE GAME 

Hereford vs Hednesford Town

National League North

The M&M Edgar Street Stadium, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JU                                              

Saturday 10th October 2026, kick off 3pm.                                                

THE PITMEN 

Hednesford travel to league leaders Hereford looking to build on the 4-1 win over Radcliffe in their last outing.

New signings Danny Whitehall and George Ward both impressed on their debuts, the former having a hand in three of the goals, earning the Player of the Match award.

Leading scorer Jamie Cooke got his third and fourth goals of the season in the Radcliffe game while Ahkeem Rose notched his third.

Dylan Mottley-Henry and Omari Sterling James both have two.

The result moved The Pitmen up to 15^th place in the league table with 12 points from 10 games.      

It will be a return to their former club for both Rose and Sterling-James who joined Hednesford from The Bulls.

Omari scored five goals in 25 games including a hat-trick against Curzon Ashton and Ahkeem four in 26 for the Edgar Street outfit.

Dale Gorman will be available for The Pitmen after his three match ban and boss Kelvin Davis will be hoping that the two week break will have helped the injured members of his squad back to fitness. 

THE OPPOSITION 

Hereford sit top of the National League North with 23 points from their 10 games, scoring 22 goals and conceding five.

Their only defeat came on the opening day of the season when they went down 2-1 at Buxton.

They have since won three and drawn one in their other games on the road. 

At their Edgar Street home they have won four and drawn one including an impressive 6-0 win over then league leaders South Shields.

Their leading scorer is Harrison Iwunze, the on loan Notts County striker has eight goals and he is followed by Billy Phillips with five while Aaron Skinner has three and Danny Waldron two.   

Last season Hereford only avoided relegation on the last day, finishing in 20^th place and staying up on goal difference, being six goals better off than Curzon Ashton who finished in the final relegation spot, one of three clubs who had 52 points.

Manager Aaron Downes joined in February 2026 and had a win percentage of 46.2% from 26 games, keeping Hereford up.

The Australian along with his assistant Harry Pell signed a new two year deal at the start of 2026/27. 

FORM 

HTFC: WLWLDW – 10 points  

HFC: DWWWWD – 14 points 

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS 

Hednesford’s four previous visits to Edgar Street came in the then Vauxhall Conference from 1997 to 2001.

The games have seen two defeats and two draws for The Pitmen, the last being in 2000/01 when Neil Davis’ goal earned a 1-1 draw in front of 2,557 fans. 

MATCHDAY DETAILS 

Away fans on Saturday have been allocated the Len Weston Seating and Terrace. Advance prices for seats in Block F are £21 adults, £18.25 and £5 U16s and £18.25 adults, £15.75 concessions and £5 U16s. They can be purchased here.

Tickets can be bought via the Hereford website and you can choose to receive your tickets by text or email.      

Matchday prices are £24 adults, £21 concessions and £6.50 U16s seated and £21 adults, £19 concessions and £6.50 U16s on the terraces.               

U14s must be accompanied by a responsible adult and no dogs are allowed unless registered assistance/service dogs.                

The ticket office opens at 12.30pm until 2.50pm and the club shop from 1pm to 2.50pm. A digital programme is available on-line, again through the Hereford website.  

National North Weekend Preview

 

This preview of Saturday's National North League fixtures comes from NL's Tom Scott.

After an FA Cup hiatus the Enterprise National League North returns in full this weekend - so where did we leave things?

Let's have a look at what is on the menu for Matchday 11...

Hereford - unbeaten in their last six - are looking comfortable at the summit ahead of their clash with Hednesford Town.

Since their opening-day defeat to Buxton the Bulls have dropped just four points from the nine games that have followed.

Four of the rest of the top seven meet elsewhere with two sides hot on Hereford's tail meet - Macclesfield host South Shields.

John Rooney's Macc side have looked good at home after dropping just two points while South Shields have lost their last two on the road.

Joint-best at home Hebburn Town meet the side with the best away form in Oxford City while Chester host Bedford Town at the Deva.

King's Lynn Town will be hoping the form of Carlton Ubaezuonu continues ahead of the visit of Buxton.

The prolific frontman notched a hat-trick in their last outing with the club bagging a double Monthly Award nomination earlier this week.

Buxton's only league defeats since the August Bank Holiday have come on the road.

The side on the end of that Ubaezuonu treble - AFC Telford United are still licking their wounds ahead of their trip to Chorley, a side who have only lost once at home this season.

Marine host Spalding United while Darlington's quests for a first home league win of the season continues with the visit of Merthyr Town to Blackwell Meadows.

Worksop Town host in-form Morecambe - the Shrimps only defeat in their last six came on their travels which could give Worksop hope.

Southport are yet to register a win on the road this season having only notched one point in five away games.

They head to Harborough Town who struggled for form in September.

Elsewhere, Brackley Town host Spennymoor Town who are on an eight-game streak without a win while Radcliffe host Scarborough Athletic knowing a win could see them off the bottom of the table. 

Trust Say Little Positive Happening At Swindon

Trust STFC  (Swindon Town) has said that there's little positive going on at the club at the moment.

Their comments follow some choice words from manager Ian Holloway in a recent interview.

“I’m not the only dead man, am I? The owners a dead man walking as well and that over complicates everything here, doesn’t it?” 

The club is led by Clem Morfuni  and is reported to have an overdraft of around £14M.

Former Hereford commercial manager James Watts was chief commercial manager at Swindon until he moved to Cheltenham in June 2026 

This from the Trust's recent Update:

The rollercoaster of following Swindon Town continues to provide more lows than highs. Whether it’s on or off the field, there is plenty going on….unfortunately, very little of it is positive.

Even by recent standards, we have reached a new low (and we’re not talking about the number of fit players we have). As a club, we have lost our soul, our hope, our passion. This hasn’t happened overnight. It’s the culmination of multiple owners, of poor leadership, of a non-existent communications strategy and of distant memories from a successful past.

Many supporters want to simply focus on the football. We get that – we’d like to too. But the Trust’s role is to represent its members and the wider Swindon community, looking out for our club’s short, medium and long term sustainability.

On any given day, the Trust gets criticised for being both too critical and not critical enough of the Club’s leadership. Admittedly, it is difficult – no, impossible – to keep all of our members and STFC supporters happy all of the time. As a result, much of what we do, say and challenges made takes place behind closed doors. Minutes alone do not reflect the advice we give and the holding to account the Club and its ownership is in need of.

That said, recognition of the perilous state of the leadership and management of our club was brought into sharp public focus last week. Ian Holloway, replying to a question about his “dead man walking” comments said:
 

“I’m not the only dead man, am I? The owners a dead man walking as well and that over complicates everything here, doesn’t it?”

If you are puzzled as to when this was said, you’d have good reason to be. It was in the Rochdale pre-match press conference. The Club edited out the exchange with Andrew Hawes from its coverage, but the full version was caught by BBC Wiltshire Sport and the Swindon Advertiser.

The fact that a manager of Swindon Town Football Club can publicly comment on the inability of its owner to unite a club and take it forward should be a wakeup call to all of us.

Ian Holloway’s comments haven’t come as a result of public protests, nor from an organised campaign. Instead, they come from his two years and 100-plus match experience as Swindon Town manager. Statistics suggest that he has one of the best win percentages of recent times, so why the doom, gloom and “dead man walking” metaphors for him and his chairman?

Unfortunately, that brings us back full circle to the Club’s ownership and leadership over the last five years. Yes, Clem Morfuni stepped in and most likely saved the Club from administration in 2021, something we will always be grateful for. But does that single act then absolve him from any form of criticism for everything which came after? Yes, he continues to bankroll the Club, but as was the case for previous owners, it’s all in the form of a loan, repayable on demand. The Club’s “overdraft” is currently around £14m and its only going one way. Not all of that is attributable to the Clem Morfuni years, but it’s a growing amount which gets passed from owner to owner. 

So where does that leave us? There is no doubt that the Club’s off-field strategy is to keep their heads down and hope that it all comes good on the pitch. Combine that with the significant turnover in staff behind the scenes and a leadership which has lost touch with the community it serves, it’s no wonder that anecdotally at least, many are falling out of love with the club they have supported for so many years.

Clem Morfuni has shown zero interest in selling STFC. Even when he’s gone on the record and said that he’d consider it for the right offer, we don’t believe that to be the case. Don’t get taken in by the “show me proof of funds and make me an offer and then we’ll talk” line – after all, someone doesn’t buy your house by standing on the pavement trying to look in through the window with the blinds down.

What we do know is that there are interested buyers for the Club. This isn’t speculation or rumour – the Trust have been approached on multiple occasions by interested groups. The most recent of those approaches was by a well backed consortium with experience in sports franchising, digital media and marketing. As we’ve seen around the leagues, buyers are out there, so long as there is a willing seller.

So where does that leave us? Whilst the short-term focus may be on Ian Holloway, the bigger picture is above the role of the manager. 

We believe that we’ve reached a tipping point. Can Clem Morfuni and his leadership team of Anthony Hall and Alisha Henry re-engage and address a wedge with supporters so obvious that even the manager openly talks about it, or has that ship sailed and the only solution is for a new owner?

The Trust board continues to keep all options on the table. We will continue to engage with the Club as well as other relevant parties including the EFL, IFR and others.

On and off the pitch, the next few weeks and months feel pivotal to our club’s short and medium term future. Whatever happens next, we’ll be sure to keep members updated. 

Swindon Town have responded to the Trust - https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2026/october/07/statement-from-swindon-town-football-club/ 

Badges On Sale At Hednesford Match

A large selection of HFC pin badges will be on sale pre match this Saturday v Hednesford. The badges pictured are available at £1 and £4 each ( cash only ) from a sales point in front of the matchday ticket office. All net proceeds go directly to HFC.

Hereford 4/5 To Defeat Hednesford On Saturday

 

A big game for Hereford on Saturday when newly promoted Hednesford are the visitors to Edgar Street.

The bookmakers are offering 4/5 for a Hereford victory.

Hereford are top of the National North League with 23 points from 10 games.

Hednesford are 15th with 12 points from their 10 games.

Hereford's home form is won 4 and drawn 1.

Hednesford's away form is won 1, drawn 2 and lost 2.

As for goal difference, Hereford's is plus 17, Hednesford's is 0. 

Last time out in the league Hereford drew 1-1 at Bedford (10th). Hednesford were at home and defeated Radcliffe (24th) 4-1. 

Hereford 4/5  Draw 11/4  Hednesford 29/10 

Hereford U18's progress into HFA Giantkillers Cup 2nd Round

Hereford FC U18's progress into the HFA Giantkillers Cup 2nd Round after emphatically defeating Westfields U18's 7-2 at Belmont Wanderers' Newton Farm to extend their unbeaten run to six matches.

Despite the visitors starting well it was Hereford who opened the scoring 5 minutes in with Harry Firth curling a free-kick from the edge of the box into the top-left corner.

Just before the quarter of an hour mark Hereford doubled the lead when Alfie Andrews cut in from the left, drifted infield before letting fly with his shot taking a nick off a defender and whistled past the goalkeeper on it's way into the right hand side of the net.

The visitors responded pulling a goal back after a shot from around 15-yards which despite the best efforts of Oscar Evans-Clay who got a hand to the ball it lopped over him before trickling in.

Not deterred the young Bulls continued their dominance with a third, Josh Mills threaded a defence-splitting pass into Andrews who then rolled the ball across the box to Kyann Sutton with the No.11 doing well to hold off a defender before slotting into the bottom-left corner.

A few minutes later after continuing to turn the screw three soon became four in scintillating fashion with a piledriver from the edge of the box by Owen Bradford which left the Fields goalkeeper with no chance flying into the roof of the net. 

Bradford then got his brace when he showed good pace to beat the onrushing goalkeeper to a loose ball poking past him before shortly afterwards securing his hat-trick in rapid quick succession from the penalty spot sending the keeper the wrong way after Riley Bevan was upended by a defender.

The second-half started fairly quietly without any meaningful chances for either side.

Freddie Mortimer rounded out the scoring for Hereford after he picked up a poor throw-in from the visitors to punish them firing past the keeper from just inside the area before Westfields got a second consultation late on from a free-kick midway inside the Hereford half which was floated into the box before being nodded past Evans-Clay.

Focus now turns back to the next round of the FA Youth Cup with a trip to Easington Sports FC U18’s in the 3rd Qualifying Round next Wednesday. 

Words: Sam Cummins

Hereford Through To Next Round Of Giantkillers Cup

Hereford Under 18's are through to the next round of the HFA Giantkillers Cup.

They defeated Westfields 7-2 this evening at Belmont.

Report to follow. 

Football On Prescription At Forest Green

This interesting article comes from the Forest Green FC website:

Dale Vince OBE and Dr Simon Opher MP have announced the return of the ground-breaking Football on Prescription at Forest Green Rovers for the 2026/27 season, following a successful pilot that saw more than 30 people referred to attend matches.

The pioneering social-prescribing initiative offers live football as part of mental-health support, helping people experiencing low mood, loneliness, social isolation or other mental-health challenges to connect with others and their local community.

Working with more than a dozen GP surgeries across the Stroud area, Football on Prescription was developed by FGR Chairman Dale Vince and Dr Simon Opher MP around a shared belief that attending a football match can offer much more than simply watching the game.

Being part of a crowd, sharing an experience and feeling connected to a community can all contribute to wellbeing.

More than 30 referrals were made during last season’s pilot, with many participants saying they would like to attend another match.

While the pilot was initially aimed primarily at men, a number of women also took part, with participant feedback indicating improvements in mood and wellbeing.

The experience also highlighted how live football can complement more traditional approaches to mental-health support by providing an opportunity for connection, companionship and a sense of belonging.

Dr Simon Opher MP said: “As a GP for thirty years, I have witnessed first-hand the impact that effective social prescribing can have on improving mental health and overall wellbeing.

“I’m really pleased that participant testimonials from last season were so positive, and I’m confident we can take the learning from the pilot forward into this new season and continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for participants.”

FGR Chairman Dale Vince said: “Football is a positive and considerable social force. It brings people together, creates a sense of belonging,  gives us shared endeavour - and it’s fun. At FGR last season, we saw the difference that this shared experience game can make for people struggling with their mental health.

“No surprise then that it’s back this season. Sometimes in our lives all of us need some simple human interaction, some connection, community and simply having somewhere to go and people to be around.  Football fits that bill perfectly."

Feedback from participants in last season’s pilot highlighted the impact of attending a match and being part of the FGR community.

One female attendee said: “The atmosphere was fantastic. Chatting to the people sat next to us was lovely. The game was exciting with a last-minute goal making FGR the winners — it was crazy!”

Another female participant described the importance of connection and shared experiences: “Having the chance to be connected and hearing the cheers. Having a real goal and achieving something is so enjoyable.”

For some participants, a match also provided an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and take a temporary break from difficult circumstances.

One male attendee said: “It was a fine sunny afternoon. Over the years I've always enjoyed attending football matches. I was with one of my grandsons, who's an avid football fan and loves attending games. He's great company and, with the recent loss of my wife, it was a perfect opportunity to be out and about and, albeit for 90+ minutes, a chance — although not forgetting the circumstances as to why we were there — to take my mind and thoughts elsewhere, albeit briefly.”

Another male participant highlighted the sense of belonging he experienced: “Being part of a happy crowd of supporters who didn't know how depressed I had been. Also the kindness of staff and volunteers and the camaraderie of the crowd. And we won!”