Junior clubs making preparations for return

JUNIOR clubs have welcomed the news they could see a return to action in mid-October following the latest statement from the SFA.

The statement relates to all grassroots football and reads: “The Scottish FA has been encouraged to see so many clubs engaging with their local community enabling people to return safely to a restricted programme of football training and activity.

“As we continue to plan ahead the grassroots sub group has created tentative plans providing a framework to inform affiliated national associations and leagues of the steps which could allow a return to competition to take place, given any future approval by the Scottish Government.

“In conjunction with the Scottish Government and Sportscotland the Scottish FA are working on a staged approach which may allow competition to return by mid-October.”

The staged approach is as follows:

Stage 1 – Return to restricted contact training for adults.

Stage 2 – Full return to contact training.

Stage 3 – Local inter-club match activity (including local friendly matches).

Stage 4 – Return to affiliated competitions.

Many local clubs have either already started or are preparing to resume training in accordance with SFA guidelines with Lochee United and Carnoustie returning this week after putting appropriate facilities in place.

In anticipation of a return to action in the next few months, clubs are busy preparing their squads with East Craigie announcing Nik Mann is making a welcome return to Craigie Park.

Drew Wighton, younger brother of former Dundee favourite Craig, is stepping up from East Craigie Swifts.