Grassroots football games banned but non-contact training permitted after Scottish Government's tier changes

Changes to grassroots football training and matches have been made public by the Scottish Football Association, following the Scottish Government’s coronavirus tier movements for 11 council areas.
Only non-contact training is allowed under tier 4 training.Only non-contact training is allowed under tier 4 training.
Only non-contact training is allowed under tier 4 training.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new restriction rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus across swathes of the country on Tuesday, moving many from Tier 3 into Tier 4 – the tightest level to be imposed.

As well as travel restrictions and the closure of non-essential shops and retail from 6pm on Friday, football will also be impacted – but there is some good news for players and fans.

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The professional game is exempt from the changes and will be able to continue but following advice from sportscotland, the SFA confirmed contact football training and matches for the grassroots game will be banned in tier four areas.

However, non-contact training WILL be allowed for ALL age groups and teams.

That will come to a relief for many involved in the game across the 11 areas under tighter restrictions from this weekend. The affected areas are: Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.

The SFA added: “We understand the difficulties faced and ask that you remain in contact with players and members during the heightened restrictions. The Scottish FA will maintain dialogue with Scottish Government and sportscotland to re-iterate the importance of the national sport to communities across the country.”

Football guidance has not changed for areas and clubs in levels 0, 1, 2, 3.