Latest Information from the Football Association

To: NLS Step 5 and 6 Leagues

Dear Colleagues,

I trust everyone is well. Looking forward to catching up next week at the Step 5 and 6 Leagues Meeting on Thurs 26th November.

Prior to our call I wanted to update you with our current understanding ahead of the proposed end of lock down on December 2nd. As you will have seen from media reports, the intention is that the national lock down will end automatically, with the country returning to the tiered system from December 3rd.

At this stage, we have no intel from government as to either what regions will be in which tier system and/or if there will be any changes to the tier system. Centrally at The FA we are lobbying government to say that if there are to be changes or impacts we need to know sooner rather than later to assist with League planning. We are also continuing to lobby and work with Government on local restrictions and impacts on aspects such as spectators.

Therefore, our message to Leagues is to plan for a restart from Saturday, 5th December. We only have that a reintroduction of the Tier system as something ‘we know’ and (save for local challenges) NLS is able to continue with spectators up to and including Tier 3.

We understand some clubs may wish to have a week to get players into training before playing competitive fixtures. Some may wish to hit the ground running, therefore our proposal is to ensure all Leagues are back fully operational by the 12th however if Clubs mutually wish to get going from the 5th there is no reason not to support this.

We are aware that some of you will have teams still in the FA Vase and wish to know the impact on the lock down on the competition. We have been in dialogue with our colleagues in Competitions and I know an update will be sent out very shortly.

As always, Leagues are able to send two representatives to our monthly meeting. Please forward the invite circulated yesterday. It would also be great to receive any agenda items and if any League wishes to present any aspect please let me know.

Best wishes

James