Information last updated at 12:01pm, Friday 16th July 2021

The latest information on the impact of Coronavirus on football in Shropshire.

• Friday 16th July 2021. The FA has provided an update on ‘non-elite’ football in advance of Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap.  (More Information can be found HERE)
• Updated COVID-19 FAQ - Monday 7th June 2021 found HERE
• Social Media Assets and printable signage available for Leagues and Clubs to download and use across their channels and facilities to support a safe return can be found HERE (Monday 7th December 2020)
• NHS Test and Trace Guidance For Grassroots Football from Thursday 24th September (More information can be found HERE)

Please stay safe, keep well and follow government advice.

We continue to monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice provided by the Government and The FA. The current Government guidance recommends that people should be working from home where possible and should be avoiding all unnecessary social gatherings which will have a major impact on football within Shropshire.

As per the below statement from The FA dated 4th January 2021, all grassroots football in England is postponed until Monday 4th January 2021.

For information on how this impacts football in Shropshire please read below. We have also prepared an FAQ section which we hope will provide answers to some of the most common questions which you may have for us.

We recognise that this is a difficult time for all those who, like us, love the game of football. Everyone here at Shropshire FA wishes you the best of health during this period of uncertainty. We hope that all those who love the game in Shropshire will pull together to support their communities. Some things really are more important than football.

FA Statement - 16th July 2021

An update on ‘non-elite’ football

The FA has provided an update on ‘non-elite’ football in advance of Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap. 

On Monday 19 July, England will move to step 4 of its roadmap in easing Covid restrictions.  This means that almost all legal restrictions of social contact will be removed. However, the Government is encouraging people to act with caution. Our guidance has therefore been updated to reflect this. 

This updated guidance which covers Steps 3-6 of the National League System (NLS), Tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid and grassroots football (including Regional NLS Feeder Leagues), comes into effect on Monday 19 July and until then all participants should follow The FA’s guidance for Step 3 which can be found here. You can read the Government guidance here.

The full guidance document can be downloaded below and should be referred to for further details. The summary key points are:
1. On field adaptions for playing football are no longer required 
2. No limits of how many people can meet 
3. 1m plus rule removed
4. The definition of close contact remains the same, however the rules on self-isolation will be changing from the 16th August.
5. Face coverings no longer required by law, but recommended in crowded indoor settings and may be mandated by some clubs or facility providers.
6. Changing rooms can be used, however participants should use their own judgement and minimise use where possible to avoid close contact in a crowded area for a prolonged time. 
7. No capacity limits for spectators but good practice is encouraged
8. Hospitality is permitted without restrictions.
9. NHS Test and Trace QR codes not required by law but encouraged.
10. Free NHS lateral flow testing is available to clubs and The FA encourage clubs to take this up.
11. No domestic travel restrictions. Participants should continue to follow Government advice on international travel for any fixtures/ tournaments. 

This guidance document applies to all youth and adult football and futsal, including all formats of the game, both indoors and outdoors.
We would like to thank you once again for playing your part in helping to get our game going again. By observing Government guidance and the football-specific protocols, we can look forward to ensuring the transition back to enjoying football is as smooth and safe as possible.

Contacting Shropshire FA

The Shropshire FA offices are now back open to the general public. Some staff continue to still be working from home and will be available via email and direct dial as this will be forwarded to the relevant member of staff. Please use this method when calling all staff instead of going through the main office switch board. You can also email all members of staff using the email addresses found alongside contact numbers on the Board & Staff page of our website.

What About County Cup Competitions?
Shropshire FA County Cups

Shore FA County Cup Competitions will continue from the start of the 2021/22 season.

What If the Situation Changes? 

We are actively monitoring Government and FA advice and guidance as the situation changes and additional measures become necessary. As a matter of good practice, we would recommend that Leagues and Clubs adopt the same approach.

Further updates will be added to this page as appropriate.

Getting the Latest Government Advice

Read the latest information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance for what to do if you think you’re at risk.

Go to NHSUK/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself. Use the 111 online coronavirus service to check if you need medical help.