National League re-start

[Ddraigoch]

From the National League.

The Chairman of the National League, Brian Barwick, has today written to The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ask the Government to carefully consider how its pending decision on the return of fans to football grounds will affect its clubs, their employees, and local communities.

The National League has also asked the Government for permission to commence the new season on 3 October with fans in attendance with social distancing and other COVID-secure measures in place.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the National League has closely adhered to Government policy and fully recognises the overwhelming necessity to protect people's health and wellbeing.

Following the Prime Minister's announcement on 17 July that Government intended to bring back audiences in stadia from October each club has started to prepare for the 2020- 21 season.

The National League has set the start date as Saturday October 3, which is when 24 clubs would be due to play their first league match and a further 43 clubs are involved FA Cup ties.

In readiness for the safe return of spectators, National League clubs have calculated their ground's new socially-distanced capacity.

Whilst crowds could be accommodated up to a level of 20-30% of each stadium's normal capacity in accordance with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority guidance, the National League has asked the Government to allow up to 1,000 spectators in all grounds from October as a temporary solution that is validated by the Government’s approved pilot events conducted in September.

Brian Barwick commented, “The National League restart depends upon crowds being allowed back in stadiums as live attendance is our clubs’ largest source of income.

“The Government urgently needs to set out a credible pathway for the safe return of supporters, and to ensure our football clubs can continue to function, and to perform their significant role in the sporting life of the country. We are proud to be a national competition with strong local connections.”

[Rob]

Has Brian heard of Wales?

[MJ6987]

Why only 20-30% capacity? That seems very low, surely an empty seat between each person or household group should be sufficient, meaning minimum 50% and probably a bit more?

[Quay Red]

Originally Posted by MJ6987

Why only 20-30% capacity? That seems very low, surely an empty seat between each person or household group should be sufficient, meaning minimum 50% and probably a bit more?

Every other row will be empty and every other seat on the occupied rows plus seats next to gangways. Lucky to get 25%.

[willyheckerslike]

Originally Posted by MJ6987

Why only 20-30% capacity? That seems very low, surely an empty seat between each person or household group should be sufficient, meaning minimum 50% and probably a bit more?

Should be at least 40% to stand any chance of long term survival.....2 empty seats between people should be enough?

[138+NotOut]

I get the logic around queuing and gangways etc but you go to tesco and social distancing isn't enforced. People come up to you when you're picking something up from the shelves etc so why is that okay but football clubs aren't?

[REDBULL]

If you read the statement only 1000 fans max will be allowed into any National League ground

[Wrexham's Patrick Bateman]

Originally Posted by Rob

Has Brian heard of Wales?

He probably thinks we all watch 🏉

[moynkeepthefaith]

Originally Posted by REDBULL

If you read the statement only 1000 fans max will be allowed into any National League ground

I agree ! That is how i read it as well

An across the board number is ridiculous - forr example Boreham Wood hardly ever get 1000 but for us that is 3500 below our average.