Training and COVID-19

Sat 18th Jul 2020

RELAXATION OF RESTRICTIONS

The English FA has been working hard over recent weeks to prepare guidelines for the safe return of grassroots football and, following Government approval, yesterday these can now be announced and football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19.

The recommendations include a phased return to competitive football activity as follows:

Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;
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.

Having completed the necessary risk assessments Taunton Youth has an action plan therefore we are very pleased to be in a position to commence a fuller training programme throughout August.

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, with groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches;
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;
Clubs should ensure they are affiliated with their County Football Association.

Although not applicable to us, please note that at this stage, indoor football and futsal is not permitted.

To ensure you are fully happy with the start of the return to normality, everyone should read The FA’s full guidelines in addition to the latest Government guidance on COVID-19.

Guidance and documentation is available through the Somerset FA by following this link.