Grassroots football returns!
Finally football is back. Although sports fans have been able to watch elite players continue in the sport they love, nothing will compare to stepping out on that local pitch for the first time.
Seasons have been extended until June for the majority of clubs, who are raring to go and fight for every point.
As of March 29th under the next stage of the government’s roadmap out of national lockdown outdoor sports facilities were able to open and organised outdoor sport could take place.
The Football Association (FA) have released updated guidance for players, coaches, and officials on the 24th of March.
KEEP ⚽ HEALTHY | Yes! #Grassroots #football is back – and like you, we couldn’t be happier ?
Let’s work together to ensure the beautiful game stays back. Please continue to follow the latest guidance issued by @FA and @DCMS.
Thank you.
➡️ https://t.co/WsH4Hx3Ixs pic.twitter.com/5Cb7DPeKLk
— Kent FA ⚽ (@KentFA) April 22, 2021
This included not allowing spectators to attend games as well as not allowing the use of changing rooms. Only toilets will be allowed to be open 30 minutes before and after the game.
The return of grassroots football follows the Fa’s announcement of a new four-year strategy titled ‘Survive, Revive, thrive’, which aims to support grassroots football.
The new strategy aims to invest £!80 million and create equal opportunities for all, retaining millions from the grassroots level.
It also hopes to improve the quality of pitches and create a safe inclusive environment to better represent diverse footballing communities.
One high profile member of the FA think tank was Robbie Savage who has often been a vocal supporter of grassroots football.
Mirror columnist @RobbieSavage8 honoured to help FA sketch £180m grassroots blueprint https://t.co/ipIGiDbY0A pic.twitter.com/f7rbeC0DMh
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) March 27, 2021
The director of football at Macclesfield said on Twitter,’ I was delighted to have been asked by the FA to be a part of the new think tank group in helping shape and advise on grassroots football’.
Featured image credit: Lewis Clarke