Covid-19 Return to Play - March 2021
On Monday 29 March, as part of the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown, outdoor sports facilities can open, and organised outdoor football can take place.
We've now published our updated guidance, based on the latest Government and FA advice available.
If there are any further updates from the Government, we'll communicate these in due course. We'll also update our guidance as we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
Football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19.
Clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/carers and spectators should read the full FA guidance in addition to any club guidance.
At this stage of the nation's response to Covid-19, the return to sport must be done with careful consideration for everyone's safety, especially vulnerable groups, children and their families.
Everyone needs to play their part to ensure our return to football is done safely.
Parents and carers will need to:
- Keep up-to-date with the latest club guidance, by reading the clubs parents and players guidance.
- Before returning to any club activities, your manager or coach will need an up-to-date, completed consent form.
- Before attending each training session or match, please ensure you screen your child using the Covid-19 Self-check sheet. The adult attending to supervise should also complete self-checks.
Although many of the children will be excited to return, some players may find they are not as physically fit as they were before lockdown and others may have struggled mentally and emotionally by being away from the game. Sadly, there will be some who’ve seen family members become unwell, or who have experienced a bereavement, or witnessed or suffered abuse in the home.
With all the above in mind, please report any concerns that may come to light about a child’s welfare, (including 16/17-year-olds) to a club welfare officer or Middlesex FA.
A reminder about recognising, responding to and reporting concerns, can be found on our welfare flyer or here.
Please also have a look at this link from the NSPCC regarding supporting children and young person’s mental Health.
We look forward to seeing all our families back at football.