Amateur sides relish return to football action
Last month outdoor contact sport for over 18s returned, much to the relief of thousands of grassroots footballers throughout the country.
Amateur teams in particular have felt hard done by as they were banned from playing whilst other teams in competitions such as the
East of Scotland league were able to carry on even though the Covid protocols were identical.
When the restrictions were eased, Tollcross Thistle’s Alan McKay told The Edinburgh Reporter: “This is a huge day. Regardless of the level, people like to play football.
“It’s so important in many
people’s lives and everyone has missed it so much. We are all so very excited to get back playing again.”
The Thistle players have been involved in non-contact training including runs and passing drills but within a few days of the restart they were due to play old rivals “Sandys” at the Jewel in the inaugural Football Nations tournament.
The team play on Saturdays at different venues, mainly on the 3G at Saughton Park, but sometimes at the Oriam or Peffermill, and the league is hoping to start in July or August.
A Scottish Cup semi-final, held over from last season awaits, and will take place in the autumn.
Alan continued: “No firm dates have been announced yet in case we have to go into another lockdown, but the delay will hopefully mean that it will allow friends and families to come and watch.
“We’ve been fortunate as we have a good team and can compete for trophies.
“We have been able to retain all but three of our players.”