Non League Football Returns...

[Deleted]

A day before the Non League Season finishes. Most will be behind closed doors currently, but Step 7 are allowed to have attendees.

www.nonleaguematters.co.uk/forums/index.php?threads/psf-day-by-day-index.2055/

[hantslondoner]

Even if it's step 7, always check that the game is on and they are allowing spectators (you may also have to fill in a Track-and-Trace form, although how they do that in a local rec I don't know).

Also, the list in the link is nationwide, and is incomplete - for example, there are some Hampshire League (step 7) team friendlies already organised - see either the HPFL newsletter or the their @leaguehants Twitter for more details.
Personally, I wouldn't go anywhere at the moment unless it's confirmed by the clubs.
Fleetlands v Baffins next Tuesday is a possibility at the moment, for example. Baffins seem to think it's OK for spectators to watch since it's at the ground of a Step 7 club. At Baffins there would be none allowed.

Wessex League also has some friendlies organised but, as you say, currently these will not have spectators allowed. Hamble Club, for example (see their Twitter). Maybe soon....

[Deleted]

Well put Hants Londoner, I have options at Virginia Water Belstone Crockenhill amongst others, can't wait to start injecting non League with my cash again.

The stupidity of this whole situation is the Westleigh pub was open and buzzing whilst Havant got knocked out 10yards from it last Saturday. Harrogate are offering fans to sit and watch the game on the pitch Sunday after playing in an empty stadium last Saturday.

[boyatthood]

Today's government announcement squeezing the breaks on easing lockdown must be a real concern for the reopening of national league football in September. If clubs can't bring crowds back until Xmas or the new year, as now being mooted, I can't see next season being financially viable.

[Bruce Forbes]

I shall be buying my season tickets anyway, whether I can attend matches, or not.

[granmist]

October 3rd is the start date not September i saw announced

[Deleted]

Can't see how people being 'socially distant' in an open air football stadium can be worse than walking around a supermarket or pub, infact we all know it isnt, it's just that the goverment (and that would have been any UK gvmnt) will dangle the carrot of fans going back to stadiums for aslong as possible so we all play happy families and be great citizens, joke really.

Can see Non League crowds really improving if football does get the go ahead, 20 capacity in stadiums will mean some at top level wanting to watch a game anywhere .

[spiritofeastleigh]

It appears this new spike is down to young people not paying attention to the rules, so the older generations have to suffer too. Let’s lift the rules for those aged 30+ who can return to stadiums and sports centres, etc etc, we are responsible adults and respect the rules.

[Deleted]

Whilst I do agree parents with kids and over 50's should be the first to return to watch games, that's a very generalising statement to say people under 30 are causing COVID issues and second spikes (how can we have second spike when the first one isn't finished yet)

My game at Crockenhill went ahead with no problems, one way system into and out of the clubhouse, sanitizer available before and after leaving the clubhouse and in the toilets. Programme giving instructions about how to enjoy the game and if you have symptoms in next 14 days to ring the club. Everyone in the crowd of 40 or so kept distance from each other and we watched a bunch of under 30s put on an entertaining game for the standard, getting up close and personal before showering with each other. I think this sort of fist pump acknowledgement of eachother will stay now, the handshake is dead in football

[spiritofeastleigh]

Well done on getting a game on Callum. The evidence is out there that these spikes are being generated by the younger generation by and large, they are not keeping to the rules which apply to all of us and it’s not only selfish it’s also very unfair. I,m interested in how we get back to watching live sport and if that means thinking of over 30’s only returning first then why not? Clubs need the revenue or go under so to me it is an idea worth putting out there. It’s not perfect but better than nothing but anyone with better ideas let’s hear them.

[thelake]

The reason why its been suggested that the over 50s may have to lockdown is quite simply that the vast majoity of people dying from covid are over 50. Massive majority. So its for there own good, if it happens. Not sure its a question of being generated by the younger generation and the older generation paying for it. But if so maybe its payback for another recent situation which was largely created by older people, but is having a serious adverse affect on the lives of younger people?

[fw]

Is there no escape from remainers ffs

[Deleted]

Well that lasted all of 4 days, embarrassing from FA. Can go to an enclosed pub and shopping centre but stand alone in the open air is a no no. They want non league football to die

[hantslondoner]

I went to Fleetlands v Baffins MR tonight, decent game, spectators evenly spread around the field, signed in on arrival, handwash etc. available, felt perfectly safe. Bar was open.

Do the FA know what they are doing? Are they under pressure from the government? Do the government know what they're doing?

Boris Johnson told us all to use common sense during the Covid crisis. It's clear not everyone is. And that goes for both sides. 

[taylov]

At Wrexham AFC's General meeting held on-line on Saturday it was confirmed that the season will start on 3 October unless the COVID situation worsens. However, and here's the bad news, the capacity will be only 2,600 !!! and that's at the Racecourse Ground, one of the biggest grounds in the National League.

It was confirmed that there would be no season tickets offered for the 20/21 season following a "request" from the National league.