Concern over grassroots football suspension in level four areas
A Glasgow coach says the restrictions, which mean they can't train from Friday, are confusing.
Last updated 18th Nov 2020
A grassroots football club coach says the level four restrictions, which stop teams from training, don't add up.
The First Minister announced on Tuesday that 11 council areas in Scotland will be moved into tier four restrictions from Friday night.
The restrictions mean all outdoor contact sport is suspended until the area moves into a lower tier.
Alex Reid, coach for Baljaffray FC 2010's, said: "If there was the evidence that showed that grassroots football was transmitting this disease I would be saying absolutely - we need to cancel it.
"But that's a big challenge that we can't actually logically explain to children why they can't be out on a football field at 9 and 10 years old.
"16 of our 19 players are from the same primary school.
"Trying to explain to them that they're allowed to be at school inside with their class mates, they're even allowed outside of school to meet under the restrictions and they don't need to social distance, but we're not allowed to bring them to their football field which is outside."
Football training for adults is also cancelled, meaning 5-aside pitches have to close from Friday night.
Toni-Louise Norrie, general manager of Goals in Clydebank, said: "We've gained so many new bookings, we have been really busy and filled all our peak-time slots, even our off-peak time slots that don't normally sell at 10pm are going.
"People are appreciating football so much more and everybody's booking in.
"We have charities that book pitches here for mental health that solely use this place for gathering to help with mental health, so it's a big blow across the board."
The Scottish FA has since released a statement stating the outcome of discussions with the Scottish Government.
It states: "Further to the Scottish Government announcement yesterday, and updated advice we have received from sportscotland, unfortunately it has been confirmed that contact football - including training and matches - is not permitted for grassroots football in Level 4 local authority areas.
"The following is confirmed at this stage:
"Non-contact training is permitted for all age groups in Level 4 local authority areas for clubs and organised groups should they wish to offer activity.
"We await further clarification on the travel restrictions for players, parents, coaches and officials moving in and out of Level 4 areas.
"We appreciate that access to facilities may be limited and out with the control of many clubs at this stage. Please contact your relevant facility operator for further information.
"We understand the difficulties faced and ask that you remain in contact with your players and members during the heightened restrictions.
"The Scottish FA will maintain dialogue with Scottish Government and sportscotland to reiterate the importance of the national sport to communities across the country."
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