Teams frustrated over latest guidance

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) will reintroduce matches from October 19, but only friendlies with clubs told to play sides in their own league.

The latest guidance, published yesterday, was met with frustration from clubs who are still awaiting a date for competitive games to begin – likely to be the second week of November. It covers all teams outside of the top flight which includes Newtown who resumed their programme this week.

While there was some encouragement with the confirmation of friendlies from next month, clubs said the small print brings added layers of issues that they could do without.

One local manager told us: “Friendlies with only teams in our league? I don't want to play anyone in our league before the season starts. Plus, that would mean we’d be OK to play down in Brecon, but not in Welshpool?”

Parents not being allowed to watch their children’s games has also drawn criticism.

However, the FAW is erring on the side of caution and said it is being steered by Welsh Government guidelines.

“The primary aim of the protocol is to support clubs affiliated to the FAW and/or an Area Association of the FAW to protect the health and safety of their players, coaches, all essential personnel and volunteers in a safer return to training and match-play, at the appropriate age groups,” the FAW stated.

From October 19, the FAW predicts that the following will be permitted for a period of three weeks:

·     Friendly matches permitted against other teams 

·     Games can take place against fellow league teams only 

·     No spectators, max. 1 coach and 1st aider per team 

·     Limited number of substitutes and game length 

The full FAW update can be accessed here