By Garry Clarke
WARRINGTON Town and Rylands FC could return to competitive football in September under plans released by the Football Association over the weekend.
The FA has confirmed that the UK Government has approved its plan for the return of outdoor grassroots football, and as a result, the grassroots football community now has the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season.
Dedicated guidance has been developed for clubs with teams competing in the men’s National League System (NLS). The FA and the Leagues are aiming for a September start of competitive matches in the NLS; however, this is subject to change in accordance with Government guidance and approval for paying spectators.
Step 1 & 2: No earlier than Saturday, 5th September 2020; (National League)
Steps 3 & 4: Saturday, 19th September 2020;(Northern Premier League)t
Steps 5 & 6: From Saturday 5th September 2020; (North West Counties
It is also expected that the FA Cup and FA vase competitions will also start in September.
The roadmap that the FA have recommended for the phased return to competitive football activity as follows:
Until 31 July – Competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people; this is what most clubs have been doing at present.
From August – Competitive matches to 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.
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said:“We are 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.
“I would encourage anyone returning to competitive grassroots football to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommended approach to phasing football back in. I would also like to thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again.”
Rylands FC
