Following recent government announcements, football for adult participants across ‘non-elite’ competition in Tier 4 areas is not permitted, including all training and fixtures.
This immediate advice applies to the following aspects of ‘non-elite’ women’s football in England in Tier 4 areas:
- Tiers three to seven of the Women’s Football Pyramid
- Barclays FA WSL Academy League (unless under elite guidance)
- Indoor and outdoor adult grassroots football
- Vitality Women’s FA Cup (which is currently classified as ‘non-elite’ at this stage in the competition)
With regards to the introduction of Tier 4 areas and the latest information on COVID-19, The FA have issued the following update:
The government’s Tier 4 guidance states organised outdoor sport for under-18s and disabled people will be allowed, while there are exemptions for FA Girls’ Regional Talent Clubs. The government’s guidelines on travel between tiers should be adhered to. These players cannot move in or out of Tier 4 to train or play.
The government’s Tier 4 guidance confirms that elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) are able to compete and train.
It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers in Tiers 1 to 3 (and permitted football in Tier 4) continue to strictly follow both the UK Government’s latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from The FA.
