The developments announced by the FA on Saturday 18th June provide a roadmap to the return of competitive football and the proposed commencement of the 2020/21 season for the national league system (NLS). The FA have been working on various scenario planning, club guidance and spectator policies in order for a return to football to be facilitated.

GNE can therefore advise the below information which remains strictly subject to further approval.

Pre-Season Fixtures are permitted from August onwards
The FA Cup Preliminary Round would take place Saturday 12th September
The proposed start date for Step 3 and 4 is Saturday 19th September
Club allocations for steps 3-7 will be released this week

With regard to spectators, the FA have a specific proposal lodged with the Department of Culture, Media & Sports ( DCMS), with oversight from the Sports Ground Safety Authority, on the return of Spectators at NLS Grounds. This is yet to be approved and as such, any pre-season fixture must be, until advised otherwise, planned to be behind closed doors.

GNE are working extremely hard behind the scene's and will provide further updates on aspects such as pre-season scheduling and spectator admission when possible.