Friendlies get green light for next month
The FA has confirmed that the UK Government has approved its plan for the return of outdoor competitive grassroots football, paving the way for pre-season friendlies to take place behind closed doors from next month.
Football activity will be permitted to take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19 and while a current date for the start of the new season is still under consideration, it is likely to begin early September.
The FA is recommending a phased return to competitive football, starting with competitive training with a group of up 30 people, including coaches, before playing competitive matches, festivals and small-sided competitions in August, with the season and FA competitions to begin the following month.
Clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/carers, spectators and football facility providers have been asked to read the FA’S full guidelines, which are available from their website, in addition to the latest government guidance.
A return to competitive football should only happen once clubs and facility providers have completed the necessary risk assessments and comprehensive plans are put into place.
Before any training session or match, everyone involved should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms and if you are symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection you must not participate or attend.
Clubs and facility providers should ensure that their facility is compliant with current government legislation and guidance related to COVID-19, and although competitive match play is permitted, social distancing must in place before and after the match, and in any breaks of play.
Players and officials will be required to sanitise hands before and after a game, as well as during scheduled breaks throughout a game or training session. Ball handling should be kept to a minimum and disinfected in breaks of play.
Youth football coaches are being encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training, and goal celebrations should be avoided by everyone.
Equipment should continue to not be shared and goalkeepers should disinfect their gloves regularly in breaks and thoroughly afterwards and, where possible, coaches should only handle equipment in training. Players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home. Any use of changing and shower facilities must follow government advice on the use of indoor facilities.
Clubs should also keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support the NHS Test and Trace system.
Indoor football and Futsal is still not permitted to take place.
Director of football development at The FA, James Kendall, said: “We’re delighted that the government has given the go-ahead for competitive grassroots football to return. The past few months have been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, and today’s news will be welcomed by the grassroots football community all over the country.
“Now that we are able to look ahead to the new season, it’s crucial that we continue to do all we can to follow safety measures, both as advised by the government and specifically for football.
“I would encourage anyone returning to competitive grassroots football to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommended approach to phasing football back in. I would also like to thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again.”
Following the announcement, clubs were quick to finalise details of their pre-season schedule ahead of the new season.
Larkhall Athletic are due to travel to Shepton Mallet on August 15, while Fry Club Reserves are looking to host Chew Magna on August 1 before travelling to Mendip Reserves on August 7. Games against Deveys, Redbridge and Bristol Bilbao will follow on August 15, 22 and 29, with a fixture hoped to be arranged for September 5. Odd Down travel to Somerton Town on August 4.
Off the pitch, Corsham Town have announced that Jon Bazley, Miles Littlechild and Dan Watts have committed their futures to the club next season, joining Core Harbour-burgess, Leigh Rogers, Adam Shipman and Dominic Kilbane. The club’s AGM will be taking place next Thursday via Zoom and if you would like to join you are invited to email ctfcchair@gmail.com.
Meanwhile Bradford Town have also been busy, securing the services of midfielders Charlie Watson and Ross Lye, forward Lewis Powell and central defenders Tom Stocks and Sean Keet. Alongside those, the Bobcats have also re-signed Simon Prangley who had a spell at the club two seasons ago and can play anywhere in midfield, as well as Lee Salter from Westbury.
Salter, who can play right-back or defensive midfield, said: “Joining Bradford was a simple decision for me after a chat with Davo and the management. Being part of a successful campaign and helping the club push for promotion and have some strong cup runs is what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to the season and hopefully making it one for the club and fans to remember for years to come.”