by Staff Writer
Thursday, 9th April 2026
West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen has agreed to help pay for a new drainage system at former club, non-league Hereford FC.
Persistent rainfall earlier this season has caused a series of problems for the club's pitch which resulted in Hereford being forced to play home matches in Redditch and Worcester, as postponements began to mount.
Bowen, who signed for the club 12 years ago, insisted it was important to have consistent homes games, adding he wanted "to give something back". And that led to Bowen making the generous donation to bring Hereford's facilities back up to scratch.
"The substantial period of poor weather this winter and the poor drainage issues with the pitch has caused the groundsman - my Uncle Ben - a serious challenge this season," said Bowen.
"Not only is it important for Hereford to be playing consistent home games on a well maintained surface at Edgar Street, but for me it's also vitally important for the youth of Herefordshire to play their traditional finals on the pitch.
"I've been lucky enough to have played on the pitch as a junior in these finals and as a senior player at the very start of my professional career, but it was those moments as a child that still hold fondest memories for me and the family.
"I feel it's a fantastic opportunity for myself to give something back to not only the club but the community that gave me an opportunity within football."
Meanwhile, Bulls chairman Chris Ammonds thanked the West Ham captain for his support and said the contributions would make a major difference.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jarrod for his support and I’d also like to thank the Founding Shareholders for their contribution," said Ammonds. "This will make a huge difference to our club after a difficult few months dealing with pitch drainage issues that could not have been predicted and were therefore unavoidable.
“It is also very pleasing that this will have a very positive impact on junior football across Herefordshire, something we are very keen to support as we understand how rewarding it is for the county’s youngsters to earn the chance to play at Edgar Street.”
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