Grassroots football season is extended

Leagues will be able to continue until the end of June if they wish
The FA have given the go ahead for grassroots leagues to continue until the end of JuneThe FA have given the go ahead for grassroots leagues to continue until the end of June
The FA have given the go ahead for grassroots leagues to continue until the end of June

The Football Association have given the go-ahead for the grassroots football season to be extended until the end of June.

The rule change means many local sides will be able to play their seasons to a finish if teams and leagues want to do so.

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The extension to the campaign, however, does not apply to the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6, which includes the Southern League and the United Counties League, Regional NLS Feeder Leagues and the Women’s Football Pyramid from Tier 3 and below, including County Leagues at Tier 7.

The FA released a statement on Monday night after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed organised team sports for both adults and under-18s could resume on March 29.

In the statement, the FA said: “We welcome the UK Government’s update regarding the Covid-19 roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions which means we can look forward to the safe return of grassroots football from 29 March for both adults and children.

“With this new clarity around timings, we will continue to work with Government on plans for a safe return for grassroots football across England and will communicate updated guidance as soon as we can.

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“We can also confirm that the 2020-21 grassroots season has been extended until the end of June in order to provide additional flexibility and time for leagues to complete their fixtures this season if they wish to do so.

“Please note: the extension does not apply to the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6, Regional NLS Feeder Leagues and the Women’s Football Pyramid from Tier 3 and below, including County Leagues at Tier 7, as the process to determine the preferred route forward for these competitions is currently ongoing. We will provide a further update on this in due course.”

The FA’s Alliance Committee is due to meet today (Tuesday) to discuss the 2020-21 season for Steps 3-6.