FOOTBALL IS BACK

Lancashire Football Association is delighted to welcome outdoor competitive grassroots football back following a lengthy break.

As is the case for all of you, it’s wonderful to have the game back – and whilst the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has had a sizable impact on the 2020-21 season, the Government’s road map and measures that have been put in place throughout the grassroots game can enable us to look ahead to 2021-22 in particular with great confidence.

Whilst it’s fantastic to have our game back, it would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the work that needs to be carried out together in order for us to fully emerge from the impact caused by the pandemic.

Please follow the guidance set out by The FA and DCMS strictly, which includes an outline of travel restrictions.

This guidance has been put together with one thing in mind – the health and safety of everybody involved in grassroots football, to protect you and everybody you come into contact with.

Please also note that, below The FA’s guidance, we have taken the opportunity to provide some additional clarity on certain points, following a number of enquiries we’ve received from our football community.

Remember, when you’re not playing, please adhere to social distancing measures – which are still in place – and be respectful of others.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL GUIDANCE ISSUED BY THE FA AND DCMS

SANCTIONING COMPETITIONS & TOURNAMENTS

We understand some clubs will be looking to arrange competitions, festivals and tournaments, particularly with the summer fast approaching. Immediately, given the significant Covid restrictions in place, it is highly unlikely any traditional tournament or festival to be held, prior to April 12th, will be sanctioned.

Lancashire FA received the DCMS and FA guidance at the same time as it was released nationally, so we are now urgently reviewing that guidance in relation to sanctioning future events. We will release further advice on our website, through newsletters and via social media as soon as possible so that safe planning can commence. Please note we will also need to liaise with the relevant local authorities to ensure they are satisfied with the plans presented to us by clubs. As such all applications for tournament sanctioning will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please click here to submit a tournament application.

THE LARGER PLAYING FIELD

Of course, it’s not just the beautiful game that is back after the latest lockdown restrictions, with other social restrictions now lifted. With religious festivals, such as Easter, Holi, Ramadan and Eid, taking place in the coming weeks and months, there is a much wider social responsibility for those involved in grassroots football.

Lancashire Public Health is encouraging all that are offered a vaccination to take it when it is offered.

However, whether you’ve received a vaccination or not, there are still safety guidelines that have been issued to ensure that you continue to reduce the risk of transmitting coronavirus.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH LANCASHIRE’S ADVICE ON CELEBRATING & STAYING SAFE

29 March has also enabled many of Lancashire’s leisure facilities to re-open once again. Lancashire FA would like to encourage as many of you that are comfortable to do so, to take advantage of these facilities being available once again.

Our friends at Active Lancashire have put together a new hub to outline the facilities available and the measures that are in place to ensure safe use of them.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT ACTIVE LANCASHIRE’S NEW HUB

We know the positive impact that physical activity has on our health and wellbeing, so I hope you’re able to enjoy the availability of our leisure facilities as much as possible.

Finally, thank you to everybody involved in the grassroots football community for your on-going commitment, dedication and passion for our game. We’re looking forward to seeing and speaking to you again in the coming weeks.

But the main thing is: stay healthy, keep others healthy and those around you healthy. In doing so, together, we’ll keep grassroots football healthy.