Petersfield Town Juniors and AFC Petersfield teams are now able to start pre-season training, including competitive matchplay, in line with FA guidelines issued earlier this month.

• Until 31 July – Teams can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;
• From August – Competitive matches can 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.

FA guidelines state:

- Everyone should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every training session or match. If you are symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection you must not participate or attend;

- Competitive training is now permitted, with groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches;

- Competitive match play is permitted, with social distancing in place before and after the match, and in any breaks in play;

- Players and officials should sanitise hands before and after a game as well as scheduled breaks throughout a game or training session;

- Ball handling should be kept to a minimum with most contact via a boot and the ball disinfected in breaks of play;

- Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training;

- Group goal celebrations should be avoided;

- Equipment should not be shared, and goalkeepers should ensure they disinfect their gloves regularly in breaks in training or matches and thoroughly afterwards. Where possible, coaches should only handle equipment in training;

- Where possible, players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home;

- Participants should follow best practice for travel including minimising use of public transport and walking or cycling if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle

- Clubs need to keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace.

Team officials will keep a record of those attending matches and training sessions. Players and parents are expected to self-screen for covid symptoms before every session. DO NOT ATTEND IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL.

Anyone not registered on the club database should complete this short online form before any match or training session.

Our club Covid Officer, Nigel Gardner, has drawn up a covid risk assessment to be followed by teams, including a one-way system for Love Lane pavilion.