North Wales Coast Football Association

Dear secretary,
(23rd March 2021)

I hope you’re all safe and well. We would like to update you on the return of outdoor organised children’s activities from 27th March if the public health conditions continue to be favourable.

Following our communication last week, we have received assurances that the restrictions in place, if the return of outdoor organised activity is confirmed, will be similar to those in place prior to the national lockdown in December. As a result, it is likely the following protocols will be adopted for the return of football activity:

• Outdoor training and matches for all U18 players can resume
• One group of up to 35 U18 players and coaches will be able to train outdoors on half a full-size pitch – 2 groups of 35 can train on a full-size pitch
• Following feedback from NGBs, we anticipate that the definition of an U18 player will be amended to reflect an individual who has turned 18 during the 20/21 season i.e. Academic Year 13
• Travel restrictions are likely to be still in place between Wales and England until 12th April restricting movement across the border

The above is subject to formal communication and ratification from Welsh Government later this week and we’ll share updated Return to Play protocols if the return of outdoor organised activity is confirmed by Welsh Government from 27th March. However, in the absence of definitive communication timelines from Welsh Government, we wanted to share this information in advance to help all clubs, leagues and Area Associations prepare for a safe return to football activity.

In positive news for the return of competitive football for senior players, following lobbying from the FAW, the Welsh Government have made revisions to the number of people who can gather indoors and outdoors at Alert Level 2 of their Coronavirus Control Plan, moving from 30 people outdoors and 15 indoors to 50 people outdoors and 30 indoors. This is a significant development for the return of senior league competitions and the FAW are currently reviewing the impact of this change on its roadmap for the return of football which will be shared next week.

We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding at this time. We recognise this is an extremely frustrating period but, as before, we have to be led by Welsh Government Guidance to support the return of football.

Best Wishes

FAW and FAW Trust

FAW Trust
Aled Lewis​
Interim Head of Football Development
FAW Trust
Tel:
+44 (0) 1633 282 911
Mob:
+44 (0) 7387 027 932