As you may be aware the government has U-turned on what they are classifying as elite sports and as such we appear to have taken a major step closer to being allowed fans and other volunteers to be present again. They are now saying that only above Step 3 is classed as elite sports. As of 14:00 today we have now received updated guidance from the FA.

Clubs are now allowed to operate at a reduced capacity of 15% for Stage 1, which covers the timeframe of Saturday 22nd August to Sunday 30th August inclusive providing the required measures are in place. Upon successfully operating a game at Stage 1, clubs are able to operate at 30% capacity for Stage to from w/c 31st August onwards.

As clubs at Step 6 have no official ground capacities, the FA have taken 1000 as a Step 6 capacity this equates to working capacities of 150 & 300 people respectively.

Our next step is to revise our risk assessments and put in whatever safety measures are required to allow fans to safely watch matches again and protect the volunteers that we cannot operate without.

The league committee is planning to meet Thursday evening to discuss the changes and clarify any queries with the FA on Friday and as a club we are hoping to put the required changes in over the weekend.

As the new guidance only applies from Saturday 22nd of August, Thursday's game vs Awsworth Villa will remain behind closed doors.