This morning the club has received a significant amount of correspondence for the FA and the West Midlands (Regional) League, concerning the start of the 2019-20 football season.

Since the season finished in March before the lockdown, all press releases from the Government and the FA have made no mention of clubs that play in the National League Structure (NLS) as Darlaston Town do, today that has changed as the Government has agreed following the FA submitting a detailed plan last week that the (NLS) can commence their season over a 3 week period with the West Midlands (Regional) League season set to start on Saturday 5th September.

Now this date is could be subject to change depending on what developments there are locally and nationally with Coronavirus outbreaks or a rapid rise in the “R” value.

Clubs have been issued with guidance and instructions as to what needs to be done to be ready for the season to start, part of the document says

“The FA and the Leagues are aiming for a September start of competitive matches in the NLS; however, this is subject to change in accordance with Government guidance and approval for paying spectators, which may be published from time to time. NLS (or relevant FA Competition) fixtures are proposed to commence on:

• Step 1 & 2: No earlier than Saturday, 5th September 2020
• Steps 3 & 4: Saturday, 19th September 2020
• Steps 5 & 6: From Saturday 5th September 2020

Clubs must complete their Action Plans for all aspects of this document as soon as possible to ensure that Leagues are able to start against these timetables”

The guidance also suggests that pre-season friendlies can start at the beginning of August, most clubs will have loosely arranged games, now dates can be confirmed (subject to clubs meeting the FA detailed requirements) and published.

The FA Return to football announcement to clubs included:-

The FA can confirm that the UK Government approved its plan for the return of outdoor grassroots football late last night, Friday 17 July 2020.

As a result, the grassroots football community now has the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season.

The FA has been working hard over recent weeks to prepare guidelines for the safe return of grassroots football and, following Government approval, these can now be published.
Football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19.

The FA would strongly recommend a phased return to competitive football activity as follows:

• Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;

• From August – Competitive matches to begin, for example, pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions;

• From September – Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence.

Separate guidance has been developed for clubs with teams competing in the men’s National League System (NLS) and the Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6. This will support these Clubs on the safe return of paying spectators and also the applicability of the guidance to facilities under Ground Grading conditions, to ensure the safe return of competitive matches.

Please note that at this stage, indoor football and futsal is not permitted. The FA will look to work with indoor facility providers to develop appropriate guidance for indoor formats as soon as possible.

James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: “We are delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for competitive grassroots football to return. The past few months have been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, and today’s news will be welcomed by the grassroots football community all over the country.

“Now that we are able to look ahead to the new season, it’s crucial that we continue to do all we can to follow safety measures, both as advised by the government and specifically for football.

“I would encourage anyone returning to competitive grassroots football to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommended approach to phasing football back in. I would also like to thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again.”