Everyone should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every training session or match. No-one should leave home to participate in football if they, or someone they live with, has any of the following:

A high temperature (above 37.8°C);
A new, continuous cough;
A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste.

This check should be done before each training session and no training session will take place without this having been done, If any member of a team tests positive for Covid 19 training for that team will cease for a period of ten days.

Bibs should not be used unless they can be washed between every session and should not be shared at any point during a session.

To operate safely, changing rooms and club rooms will all be closed. Access to a toilet will still be possible but encourage children to use one at home.

Discussions with parents of children that have additional disability or medical needs should be conducted before a return to training. You should then agree how/if these needs can be met within current Government Covid-19 guidance.

At and during sessions
Children must be guided not to touch equipment e.g. cones and footballs. The focus should be on kicking the ball and limiting any touching of the ball with hands. If you have young children, please help them to understand this before they attend any sessions.

Parents/carers who are in attendance for the duration of a session, please maintain social distancing at all times,

If access to a facility is required, hand cleaning facilities will be provided. Children should understand that they need to sanitize their hands on arrival at the ground and then on leaving.

Equipment should be handled as little as possible by as few people as possible. Where equipment is handled by more than one person, they should wash their hands immediately afterwards, taking care not to touch their mouth or face in the meantime. For goalkeepers, it might be sensible for players to have their own individual ball for the session, with the frequent wiping of the ball with disinfectant wipes if it is being handled by more than one person.

If a child becomes symptomatic during the session, they should be immediately removed from the session and taken home as soon as possible. NHS guidance on further management of symptoms should be followed.

When the session is finished, children should be encouraged to leave the venue rather than congregate, avoiding congestion. All participants should wash hands at the earliest opportunity and personal equipment should be wiped down with a disinfectant.

Finally...
We want to thank you in advance for playing your vital part in helping our great game get going again. By observing Government guidance and the football-specific protocols, let’s work together to ensure the transition back to enjoying football is as smooth and safe as possible. But everyone’s circumstances are different, and if you don’t feel your child(ren) are ready to return to football, there’s no pressure. Everyone’s health, wellbeing and safety are the priorities.