MLS allows teams to start with small-group training
Major League Soccer will allow clubs to begin small group training, another step toward resuming play.
This is the the first time players from Orlando City and the 25 other teams in the league have been allowed to train together since the league suspended play on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement comes amid reported negotiations for the league to hold a return-to-play tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Disney World property in Orlando.
Clubs will be required to submit a detailed training plan that fits within the league’s health and safety protocol before hosting any small group training sessions. Additionally, these sessions will be voluntary for all players.
Teams will be required to follow the same general health guidelines as they used for individual workouts, such as wearing a mask upon arrival and departure, undergoing a thermal screening before each session and limiting staff to essential members. Indoor facilities — such as weight, meeting and rehabilitation rooms — will also remain closed.
Although these small group sessions will allow players to pass the ball to one another and shoot toward a goalkeeper, players will be required to remain distanced.
Small group sessions can include as many as six players. Teams will be required to divide fields in half, then delineate six zones within those half sections of the field that are positioned at least 10 feet apart. Players can switch zones or move about the field, but only one player can be in a zone at a time.
Coaches will also be allowed to direct these sessions from the sidelines, but they must wear a face mask and maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet at all times.
Clubs will be allowed to rearrange the combination of players in each small group from session to session. This means position groups could train together one day, then split up for small threeon-three sessions the next day. However, groups of players can’t be rearranged during a session.
The league is also limiting training equipment allowed on the field. Teams will be permitted to use balls, goals, markers such as cones, rebounders and GPS trackers.
However, teams are barred from bringing weights, exercise balls or other strength equipment out to the field. In the preseason, Orlando City strength and conditioning coach Fabian Bazan often conducted full strength workouts with hex racks, squat blocks and other equipment on the pitch. The use of that equipment will not be permitted, although players can bring their own equipment from home and use it on the field.
The league emphasized hygiene for goalkeepers as well, instructing them to avoid spitting on their gloves and to fully disinfect their gloves after every session.
The MLS moratorium on full team training is now set to expire after June 1.