South Lochaber Thistle return to training

This week saw South Lochaber Thistle return to training as the Scottish Government continues the easing of Covid lockdown restrictions.

The Kinlochleven-based club had returned to outdoor, socially-distanced fitness training at Kilmallie Shinty Club earlier in the month, however, infringements of the lockdown regulations by footballers from Celtic and Aberdeen saw the SNP administration retighten restrictions.

However, as of August 24, adults were permitted to return to contact training albeit with certain conditions in place.

Indoor facilities remain closed. Small-sided games are now allowed outdoors, with group sizes and coach numbers mandated.

Ten players requires a minimum of a quarter pitch and two coaches, 14 players a third of a pitch and three coaches whilst 18 players need a half pitch and four coaches.

Additionally, clubs have to have appointed a Covid officer and players must be made aware of all protocols around arriving and departing training. South Lochaber secretary, Rebecca Small, has taken on the Covid officer role.

Training is scheduled to be running in Caol at 6.30pm every Wednesday while all High Life Highland facilities remain closed.

Local friendly fixtures remain unavailable but, all things being equal, will be allowed from September 11.

South Lochaber Player/Manager Alan Gray commented: ‘It is excellent news that we can return to full contact training. It feels like it has been a long time coming and local friendlies will be along very soon as well, so it’s important that we are as conditioned and fit and ready to go as possible.

‘We had a great attendance for our pre-season fitness sessions from both the men’s and women’s teams and I’m sure now we can get back to full on training this will only get better.’