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Grassroots football: Has your club training started yet?

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How has grassroots football changed since lockdown?

After months of lockdown, football is back for loads of you!

Millions of kids are returning to outdoor pitches all over the United Kingdom to mark the start of the brand new season.

All competitive local football was stopped in March as the UK was put into a lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Even though football is back, there are new rules to follow for teams who want to start training to minimize the threat of the virus spreading.

Take part in our vote and let us know if your club is back in training in the comments below.

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What do the guidelines say?

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

There are new rules in place for people playing grassroots football

11 million people in the UK play grassroots football.

Here are some of examples of the new rules that teams will have to follow in order to keep safe from the FA.

Similar rules are in place from the Scottish, Welsh and Irish FAs, so be sure to check with your local club.

This guidance comes from the Football Association.

• All those taking part, including parents/ carers and spectators should follow government coronavirus guidelines and ensure that they are fully well before they take part and do not have any covid symptoms.

• Social distancing should be in place before and after a match, as well as during breaks in play.

• Ball handling should be kept to a minimum, with most contact between player's boots and the ball. The ball should also be regularly disinfected.

• Goal celebrations should be avoided.

• Equipment should not be shared, and all equipment should be regularly cleaned.