Football training for junior clubs in Shetland can now restart, as long as clubs adhere to guidance prepared by the Scottish Football Association (SFA).
Staff from the Sport & Leisure Service of Shetland Islands Council have recently met with local clubs to agree how this guidance will be put in place on local pitches.
As part of Phase 3 of the Scottish Government Routemap out of lockdown, organised outdoor contact sport can now resume for children and young people (aged 5-17 years) from 13 July. Guidance from the SFA allows for training only, in groups of up to 10 players and two coaches, and for small sided games from one club. Coaches must adhere to physical distancing during training and strict hygiene rules will apply to all sessions.
For the time being, there is no access to changing rooms or access to indoor facilities. Junior matches between clubs, and the return of adult training and matches, are not yet permitted.
Any local football clubs with questions on the local application of the guidance are asked to contact either the Sport & Leisure Service on 01595 744006, or to contact Shetland Junior Football Association.
Scottish Rugby has also issued Phase 3 guidance for youth rugby training, which is now also able to restart, on a similar ‘no close contact’ basis and without games.
Full details of the Phase 3 guidance for junior football are available on the Scottish FA website