Step closer to matches
Football clubs across the region have this week been returning to contact training for the first time in five months.
The suspension of football by the Scottish FA was lifted yesterday in line with the Scottish Government’s route map out of the COVID-19 crisis.
While professional side St Johnstone have been back since June, amateur and junior teams can now prepare fully for a competitive comeback.
Rod Petrie, Joint Response Group chair, said: “This is a significant and hugely positive step forward for the whole of Scottish football and means that training can resume for both the professional and grassroots game from Monday.
“I understand the sacrifices players, coaches and clubs have been forced to make to get to this point but the health of the nation remains our absolute priority.
“Training can resume on Monday in line with the government’s ongoing social distancing measures and advice and, if the virus continues to be contained in Scotland, then the path to competitive football matches being played by October is tangible.”
Thomas McKeown, Scottish FA board director and chair of the JRG Grassroots Sub Group, added: “We are pleased to move into the next phase of our route map to the return to football, and the resumption of contact training and small-sided games within clubs at both adult and youth football is an extremely positive step forward.
“We wholly appreciate how keen everyone is to return fully to the game by restarting leagues and match activity but we also appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we move at the pace that we hope will ensure that as many people return to the game as possible by creating a welcoming, fun and most importantly, safe environment for all.”
Scottish football grounds, meanwhile, could be opened up to fans from September 14, with restricted numbers and physical distancing measures in place.
Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said discussions on pilot events with top-flight clubs are under way.
He added: “The next crucial step will be allowing Scottish football fans back into games, based on the comprehensive range of safety measures which have been developed by clubs in close consultation with health experts.”