Latest update on grassroots football in North East

 Statement from Northumberland FA and Durham County FA

 

Following the restrictions imposed by Government which came into effect from Midnight 17th September 2020 it is clear that the main concern is around social gatherings.  Durham CFA and Northumberland FA following agreement with the FA have agreed the following:

 

As everyone is aware, the number of Covid-19 infections has continued to rise across the region and our local authorities have today taken steps  to prevent this situation deteriorating further.

 

We’re working closely with our local authorities to try to minimise the impact on football and to keep teams playing.

 

The current restrictions agreed at a meeting involving Durham CFA, Leagues, Local Authorities and facility providers remain in place until Midnight on Sunday 20th September 2020. No football is permitted within the Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside areas and teams within those areas cannot play outside the area. Training can continue.

 

Football in the local authority areas of Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle upon Tyne can take place this coming weekend in line with FA guidance.

 

All teams MUST follow the guidance we have issued in order for football to continue. The situation will be monitored constantly and further restrictions may be introduced next week if necessary.

 

All the guidance can be found here:https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/covid-19

 

Northumberland FA’s Acting Chief Executive, Andrew Rose-Cook, said: “Football is hanging by a thread here in the North East. We know how important to game is to our football community and we urge everyone to stick to the guidelines. The alternative is that football will be suspended.”

 

Durham County FA’s Chief Executive, John Topping, added: “We hope that all connected with the game will adhere to the restrictions so that we can get football back to the way it was. would urge you all to follow the guidance this weekend so that we can continue to play the game we all love.”

 

The North East’s local authorities have issued new restrictions this week – these can be found here:

 

Durham County Council - https://www.durham.gov.uk/localrestrictions  

Gateshead Council - https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/16575/Covid-restrictions   

Newcastle City Council - https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/public-health-wellbeing-and-leisure/public-health-services/coronavirus-covid-19  

North Tyneside Council -https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/page/26134/coronavirus-covid-19

Northumberland County Council - https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2020/Sep/New-COVID-measures-being-introduced-in-Northumberl.aspx  

South Tyneside Council - https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/70473/Local-restrictions-in-the-North-East

 Sunderland City Council - https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/17375/New-Covid-19-restrictions-for-our-region-17-September

 

Clarification around spectators at grassroots football:

 

The FA and County FAs have provided guidance to clubs in regards to their requirements to welcome spectators to matches, clubs should continue to have this guidance in place this coming weekend. Therefore, clubs with the correct requirements in place will be able to welcome spectators this weekend.

Currently, local authorities have advised against individuals attending sports events as spectators. It is not the position of the County FA to overrule the advice of local authorities.

We will be reviewing the situation next week and will examine this issue in greater detail, balancing the need for social distancing alongside safeguarding considerations.

As you will be aware this is a complex issue and we wish to ensure that we find a solution which meets all these important requirements.