FAW OFFER SOME HOPE FOR THE GRASSROOTS
WTHE FAW last week announced that it might be possible for clubs from Tier Two downwards to next month be involved in friendly fixtures against fellow league teams, writes Tony Poole.
Under its “Safer Return to Play Protocol” (SRTPP) phase three - with special reference to stages one and two – this swung into action last Monday.
The protocols cover senior, youth and junior with the primary aim of supporting clubs affiliated to the FAW and Area Associations to protect the health and safety of players, coaches and all essential personnel.
It also covers a safe return to training and match play at appropriate age groups.
The protocol is subject to the latest Public Health Wales and Welsh Government policy together with guidelines related to COVID-19.
But given the changing nature of the guidance, clubs are advised to keep up to date with coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government.
In the FAW statement, they announced that friendly matches will be permitted as from October 19 against fellow league teams.
However, no supporters will be able to attend these games.
Admittance will be limited to one coach, a first-aid attendant along with a reduced number of substitutes and a limited game length.
The fixtures will be staged for a trial period of three weeks, but should any local lockdowns come in to force then clubs in these areas will be unable to fulfil their matches.
However, yet to be confirmed are the resumption of leagues and FAW Academy competitions while the FAW also stated clubs must be flexible.
League organisers will require appropriate time to prepare their competitions in the changing world of COVID-19 protocols.
Club management committees have been told they should now meet in order to review SRTPP protocols ahead of a return to match play.
However, there’s a possibility the three-week trial period next month might come against a background of increased cases of coronavirus that lead to new lockdowns.
And even if everything goes to plan, it’s rumoured that the league season wouldn’t get the green light from the FAW before November 7.
This would surely lead to all cup competitions organised from Tier Two downwards being cancelled in order to slot in 30 fixtures that most leagues are based around.
But given possible lockdowns allied to adverse weather which has been the norm in South Wales winters of late, even 30 league matches would seem to be pushing things to the limit ahead of an April closure.
And the last thing the FAW want is a similar situation to this summer when a key decision had to be made to suspended the 2019/20 season, and leagues were eventually settled on Points Per Game.
So, it might well be a case of football following cricket this summer, and being forced to settle on the second-best option of just friendly matches with strict COVID-19 protocols in place.
Ultimately, it was a case of cricketers being grateful for game time even if it wasn’t the real thing associated with leagues and points up for grabs.
The situation was summed up by Pencoed Athletic boss Mark Powell who lamented: “I’m getting more disheartened on the league season starting with every passing day.
“They may as well write the season off now, and not prolong the agony.’’
Meanwhile, even though the start of the league season below the top tier remains up in the air, clubs are continuing to sign players.
The buses scenario of wait long enough and two will turn up unfolded last week at Porthcawl Town regarding goalkeepers.
No sooner had the dust settled on a decision for Andrew Fisher to switch back to goalkeeper from striker another one turned up in Lock’s Lane.
It came in the form of ex-Newport County Youth stopper Ioan Clift, who will now challenge Fisher for the No 1 shirt.
Though a tad short for a goalkeeper, Fisher makes up for it in courage and many on the Porthcawl scene rate him as highly as two legendary Town stoppers - Steve (Bando) Barnett during the Golden Era for the club during the 1990’s and in recent times big Ben Banks.
South Wales Alliance Premier Division colleagues Garw also made a significant signing last week in obtaining the signature of highly-rated Pencoed Athletic front man Ben Treharne. New Blandy boss Dylan Powell was delighted big Ben struck a deal, as they’ve now got an experienced man who is destined to pep up the attack.
Finally, another striker who has recently departed Pencoed, Darren Townsend, has joined FAW Cymru Ardal (South-West) club Dinas Powys.
Murch boss Michael Colley was thrilled at getting a player who has a proven goal-scoring record at South Wales Alliance Premier level.
Last season Townsend topped the Pencoed goal-scoring chart, hitting the target 20 times, as Mark Powell’s rampant side were crowned South Wales Alliance Premier Division champions on Points Per Game.
It was, however, his only season at Pencoed having switched from Premier Division rivals Sully Sports during the summer of 2019.