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Statement from Durham County FA and Northumberland FA

Latest Update Relating to Grassroots Football in the North East

 

Statement from Durham County FA and Northumberland FA

Following the restrictions imposed by Government which came into effect from Midnight 17th September 2020 it is clear that the main concern is around social gatherings. Durham CFA and Northumberland FA following agreement with the FA have agreed the following:

As everyone is aware, the number of COVID-19 infections has continued to rise across the region and our local authorities have today taken steps to prevent this situation deteriorating further.

We’re working closely with our local authorities to try to minimise the impact on football and to keep teams playing.

The current restrictions agreed at a meeting involving Durham CFA, Leagues, Local Authorities and Facility Providers remain in place until Midnight on Sunday 20th September 2020. Football below Step 6 of the National League System is NOT permitted within the Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside areas and teams within those areas cannot play outside the area. Training can continue.

Football in the local authority areas of County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton, Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle upon Tyne can take place this coming weekend in line with County FA guidance.

All teams MUST follow the guidance we have issued in order for football to continue. The situation will be monitored constantly and further restrictions may be introduced next week if necessary.

All the guidance can be found here: https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/covid-19

Northumberland FA’s Acting Chief Executive, Andrew Rose-Cook, said: “Football is hanging by a thread here in the North East. We know how important the game is to our football community and we urge everyone to stick to the guidelines. The alternative is that football will be suspended.

Durham County FA’s Chief Executive, John Topping, added: “We hope that all connected with the game will adhere to the restrictions so that we can get football back to the way it was. I would urge you all to follow the guidance this weekend so that we can continue to play the game we all love.

The North East’s local authorities have issued new restrictions this week – these can be found here:

Durham County Council - https://www.durham.gov.uk/localrestrictions
Gateshead Council - https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/16575/Covid-restrictions
Newcastle City Council - https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/public-health-wellbeing-and-leisure/public-health-services/coronavirus-covid-19
North Tyneside Council - https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/page/26134/coronavirus-covid-19
Northumberland County Council - https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2020/Sep/New-COVID-measures-being-introduced-in-Northumberl.aspx
South Tyneside Council - https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/70473/Local-restrictions-in-the-North-East
Sunderland City Council - https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/17375/New-Covid-19-restrictions-for-our-region-17-September