Voucher offer as still no dead cert on racing events
Young players set to restart training as Covid restrictions ease
Perth Racecourse is to offer ticketholders exclusive vouchers as uncertainty continues over whether reduced crowds will be allowed to attend outdoor events in the coming months.
The decision includes potential April and May race-goers, and is designed to give them the flexibility to attend another race event at a later date instead should fixtures early in this year’s calendar either be cancelled or have to take place behind closed doors.
It comes with less than six weeks to go until the first scheduled meet of 2021 in Perth – the April Festival.
The first five fixtures of the year look set to be held behind closed doors, with a Perth Racecourse spokesperson confirming the season will be approached “in phases” in the face of ever-changing government guidance.
“With less than six weeks until the start of our season it is clear there is still too high a degree of uncertainty about crowds being permitted to racecourses in Scotland,” the
spokesperson added.
She continued: “We will tackle the season in front of us in phases and remain hopeful the picture may yet change from June onwards.
“We have written to all April and May ticket-holders offering flexibility and options so that we are able to welcome them back to the racecourse as soon as we are permitted to do so.
“We feel that the most flexible solution in these unique circumstances is to offer each ticket holder for our April and May fixtures this year a Perth Racecourse voucher to the same monetary value of their ticket(s).
“The voucher is redeemable on our website for any fixture in 2021 that permits race-goers and shall remain valid right up until the end of our 2022 season.
“All voucher holders will enjoy booking privileges such as early access for any future fixtures which may be subject to restricted capacities.
“If for any reason a customer does not wish to accept the Perth Racecourse voucher, they may of course request a refund in full.”
Young Strath footballers have been able to get the ball rolling once more.
Changes to Scotland’s coronav i rus res t r ictions announced by First Minster Nicola Sturgeon last week mean that non- contact training can resume for those aged 12 to 17 years outdoors.
Groups of up to 15 can meet and permission has also been granted for them to travel across local authority boundaries for sports.
It meant players with Crieff
Juniors FC were given the green light to return to practice sessions from Monday this week, although with certain restrictions still in place.
In a letter to parents, club chair John Duncan said: “In light of these restrictions please be mindful that coaches will be doing their best to accommodate all players.
“We also seek your support and ask that all players turn up with their training bag, their own clearly marked drinks bottle and training kit.
“Where possible if they can have hand gel and tissues this would be helpful, however, each coach will have a supply.”
John also stressed previous guidance from the football authorities in relation to spectators was still in force.
He explained: “The SFA has issued instructions to all clubs that no spectators should be present at training or matches except in exceptional circumstances – where a young person needs the support from an emotional/wellbeing/health point of view, for example.
“We really appreciate the support that we get from our families, friends and supporters and we know that you want to watch your child play.
“Howe v e r, in these unprecedented times, we need to take this step for the safety of everyone and to protect our ability to facilitate football.
“We would request that you drop your young person off, in the care of their coach and leave the area until it is time to return and collect them.
“All our officials are members of the PVG scheme and there will always be enough first aiders.
“There will be a zone at least four metres from the pitch that we would ask you not to enter at any time, otherwise we will have no choice but to abandon training/ games.
“Please also note that once we regain access to the 3G pitch at Strathearn Community Campus only players and officials will be permitted.”
John added: “If you feel your young person needs additional support as mentioned above, then please discuss this with one of your team’s officials or one of the Crieff Juniors committee.”