All the National League System division allocations for 2020-21 from Steps 3-6
COMPETITIVE Non-League and grassroots football is set to begin from September after the Football Association announced its guidelines for a phased return.
The Government has approved The FA’s plan for the start of the new season.
Competitive training, with the overall group size limited to 30 people, can start immediately and from August competitive matches, such as friendlies, can begin.
From September, the National League System (NLS), Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, grassroots leagues and FA Competitions can commence.
The FA stress a return to competitive football should only happen once clubs and facility providers have completed the necessary risk assessments and comprehensive plans are in place.
Steps 1 and 2 of the NLS are proposed to commence on Saturday, September 5 while Steps 5 and 6 can also commence from that date.
Steps 3 and 4 have been marked for Saturday, September 19 but all dates are subject to change in accordance with Government guidance and approval for crowds to be allowed.
In The FA’s return to football guidance, it says: “We are currently working with DCMS and other key stakeholders to understand the timescale for the return to spectators at sporting events.
“Initial discussions have identified that it will be difficult to return to competitive matches without the ability to welcome some form of spectators to matches.”
The aim is for the FA Cup to kick off on Tuesday, September 1 with the extra preliminary round.
FA Vase and FA Trophy first round qualifying has been earmarked for Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26 respectively.
James Kendall, the FA’s director of football development, said: “We’re delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for competitive grassroots football to return. The past few months have been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, and today’s news will be welcomed by the grassroots football community all over the country.
“Now that we are able to look ahead to the new season, it’s crucial that we continue to do all we can to follow safety measures, both as advised by the government and specifically for football.”
The full return to football guidance can be found on The FA website.