Back on 17 July 2020 the Government approved the FA's plan for the return of outdoor grassroots football allowing the grassroots football community the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season.
The FA published guidelines for the safe return of grassroots football following Government approval.
Football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19. The FA recommend a phased return to competitive football activity as follows:
Until 31 July
– Competitive training could begin, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;
From August
– Competitive matches could begin, for example pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions;
From September
– Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence.
On 4 August 2020 the FA wrote to all clubs in the National League System and all clubs in Regional NLS Feeder Leagues (previously known as Step 7), of which our league is one, advising that for the time being all games, including pre-season friendlies, should be played behind closed doors.
However, the FA have today (19 August 2020) issued revised guidance concerning spectators and all Regional NLS Feeder League clubs are now permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators in line with The FA’s guidelines for grassroots football.
The FA also updated their separate guidance developed for clubs with teams competing in the men’s National League System (NLS) and the Women’s Football Pyramid.
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.
A summary of key points to consider from The FA’s guidelines are listed for ease below:
Everyone should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every training session or match. If you are symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection you must not participate or attend;
Clubs and facility providers should ensure that their facility is compliant with current Government legislation and guidance related to COVID-19;
Competitive training is now permitted;
Competitive match play is permitted, with social distancing in place before and after the match, and in any breaks in play;
Players and officials should sanitise hands before and after a game as well as scheduled breaks throughout a game or training session;
Ball handling should be kept to a minimum with most contact via a boot and the ball disinfected in breaks of play;
Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training;
Goal celebrations should be avoided;
Equipment should not be shared, and goalkeepers should ensure they disinfect their gloves regularly in breaks in training or matches and thoroughly afterwards. Where possible, coaches should only handle equipment in training;
Where possible, players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home. Use of changing and shower facilities must follow government advice on the use of indoor facilities;
Participants should follow best practice for travel including minimising use of public transport and walking or cycling if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle;
Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace; and
Supporters, parents, and other spectators should remain socially distanced whilst attending events. Spectator groups must be restricted to discrete six-person gathering limits and spread out, in line with wider Government guidance, ensuring space for officials, coaches and substitutes..
A copy of the letter sent by the FA today concerning spectators is shown below and the full FA updated guidance for all those involved in restarting football activity can be downloaded by clicking on the documents shown below the letter: