HFC director Paul Quarrell who is also the Academy chairman has released a statement in which he admits it was a difficult decision to close the Academy for at least the coming season.
"The decision not to run the Academy in 2020/21 was such a difficult one and from a personal point of view I found it difficult to consider. However, I do not feel we have any other choice right now as it is impossible to predict when recreational sport might be able to start again, and especially sports that include physical contact.
“Normally we would be looking at holding trials at around this time ahead of pre-season training starting in July. Clearly that isn’t possible and we simply don’t know when it will be. Rather than holding off on a decision indefinitely, I feel we are best served making a decision about next season now, so everyone knows where they stand.
“We also have to take into account that although, as a club, we still want to play a key role in the local community, this can only be done if we have a healthy football club in the first instance. This must be our short-term focus and I’m sure, given the current climate, people will appreciate this.
“I feel really sorry for the fantastic players we have in the Academy and am sorry that we’ve had to take this decision. I also apologise if those affected feel we could have communicated this news in a better way.
“While I completely understand the decision is disappointing, I believe we have a responsibility to look after these young people and I cannot yet see a point where I will feel comfortable seeing them train together in larger groups, let alone play in matches. This point seems a long way off outside of the professional game and I wouldn’t want to allow the players to return to training under the club’s name unless I am absolutely confident they are all safe.
“From a financial point of view, when the lockdown was introduced in March, we contacted all our players and their families and advised them to stop paying their monthly subs. The vast majority of the payments were cancelled at that point and we will ensure that any subs that were paid after the season was ended are refunded.
“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have played a part in the Academy’s development so far. These include the Academy’s main sponsor MSC Associates and club sponsor Dawleys, our welfare officer Luke Johnston, all the club admin staff, coaches and my fellow board members, Doug for the fundraising badge sales and also Richard, Mike and Nigel for the money they have raised through raffles in the Executive Club.
“Most of all though, I’d like to thank the players for the commitment, drive and professionalism they have shown as they represented the club and their families for the support they have offered. The players from all our teams have done themselves proud and I really hope that in the future many of them will have the chance to pull on a Bulls shirt once more.”