Players have appreciated their football
Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion has highlighted the mental health benefits of football continuing for his players.
The Perth side, who play in the East of Scotland League’s Premier Division, have remained in action since the season got underway amid the coronavirus pandemic back in October.
Swifts also made their debut in the first round of the Scottish Cup last month.
Gunnion said: “It’s a distraction away from what is going on in the world right now.
“It lets players get out, focus on keeping fit and playing football.
“From a mental health perspective it’s great because they are engaging with each other again and doing what they like to do.
“The players have been an absolute dream to coach during this period. They appreciate what they’ve got in being able to play football.
“They are optimistic and hopeful that we can keep things ticking along. We’ve done a lot of good work this season.”
Mainland Scotland moved back into lockdown this week due to a further rise in the number of coronavirus cases.
Government guidance states to stay at home except for essential purposes or if there is a reasonable excuse to be out.
The government notes that a reasonable excuse includes “those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event.”
Previously the East of Scotland League was given the green light to continue while the amateur game, for example, was shelved.
The tighter restrictions came into play on Tuesday and the understanding is that games will continue for now.
Gunnion added: “When we had the announcement from the first minister, I think we were expecting clear guidance one way or the other.
“We’ve all acknowledged that we’re probably in a worse situation now than where we were in March or April last year.
“The one thing that football and teams at our level have going for us is that we’ve had time to prepare and implement protocols.
“We work hard behind the scenes to make sure the facilities are safe and the training we carry out is safe.”
A Premier Division trip to Tynecastle FC is on the fixture card for this weekend.
Gunnion said:“The weather has beaten us on a couple of occasions and it’s not looking favourable for this weekend.
“But we need to be prepared for Tynecastle to hopefully come away with a positive result.”