Non-elite leagues and fixtures postponed during lockdown
The Football Association have confirmed that non-league clubs competing in “nonelite” leagues will have their fixtures postponed during the impending lockdown.
The governing body released a statement yesterday setting out the next four weeks for clubs competing below National League North level.
All league fixtures in the Northern Premier League, Ebac Northern League, Wearside League and Northern Alliance are to be postponed from tomorrow and clubs will not to able to hold training sessions until lockdown is raised.
However, the likes of Blyth Spartans, Darlington, Gateshead, Spennymoor Town and Hartlepool United will continue to train and play league games behind closed doors as the National League and NationalLeagueNorthareclassed as “elite sport”.
The move leaves Northern Premier League club South Shields in an unusual situation as they WILL be able to take on Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup first round this weekend, but the Mariners will be unable to play any league games and carry out training sessions for four weeks after their trip to the League Two club.
C o n f u s i n g l y, th e M a r i - ners would return to elite status to take part in an FA Cup second round tie at the end of November if they are successful at Whaddon Road this weekend.
An FA statement released read: “The Football Associa
tion has provided an update for Media & Sport [DCMS], the ‘non-elite’ football in England impact on ‘non elite’ football in followingtheUKGovernment’s England will include the susannouncement on new nationpensionof the following during al Covid-19 restrictions that this period: will be in place from Thursday All fixtures and training until Wednesday, December 2. for Steps 3-6 of the National
“As a result of the UK GovLeague System [NLS]; All fixernment’s new national Covtures and training for Tiers id-19 restrictions, and subject 3-7 of the Women’s Football to Members of Parliament votPyramid [WFP]; All fixtures ing and guidance from the Deand training for the Regional partment for Digital, Culture, NLS Feeder Leagues; All fix
tures and training for The Barclays FA WSL Academy League; All fixtures and training for FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs; All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.
“The UK Government has confirmed that school sport can continue as an exemption during this period.
“In addition, the UK Gov
ernment has confirmed that all Emirates FA Cup First Round fixtures will go ahead as planned this weekend.
“The ten ‘non-elite’ clubs that remain in the competition will be able to play their fixtures under ‘elite’ protocols. In line with the new national Covid-19 restrictions, these ‘nonelite’ teams are only permitted to train together until Wednesday 4 November 2020.
“Further updates on fixtures and dates for the 2020/21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup, The FA Youth Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase will follow in due course.
“TheFAremainsindialogue with the DCMS, leagues, competitions and CFAs and will provide further clarification for ‘non-elite’ football in England following the debate in the House of Commons.”