Non-league clubs back in action within weeks
North East non-league clubs couldreturntocompetitiveaction within the next six weeks after the Football Association confirmed that they are planning for a September restart.
The governing body issued new guidance for clubs in the national league system after the government gave the goahead for grassroots football to return just.
That means that competitivetrainingsessionshavenow been given the all-clear and pre-season friendly fixtures will get underway in August.
September 1, has been targeted as a potential date for the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round and it has been suggested that there will be a staggered start for leagues across the non-league system.
The likes of Hartlepool United, Gateshead and Spennymoor Town could return to action on September 5, after that was set as the earliest possible date for the National League and National League North to get their season underway.
Ebac Northern League clubs could also resume their league fixtures on that date, but Northern Premier League sides Dunston UTS, Marske United, Morpeth Town and South Shields will have to wait until September 19, after that was revealed as the earliest possible start date for step three and four divisions.
However, clubs will have to follow strict guidance that is to be put in place by the FA as the game looks to come to terms with the impact of the coronavirus epidemic.
Clubs have also been asked to keep a record of attendees at their facilities to support the NHS track and trace and goal celebrations are to be avoided. The FA’s plans are subject to thefurthereasingoflockdown measures and supporters beingallowedtoreturntogames.