East Sussex Football League set to kick off on time

The 2020-21 East Sussex Football League season is set to start, as usual, on the first Saturday in September.
ESFL action between Crowhurst and BattleESFL action between Crowhurst and Battle
ESFL action between Crowhurst and Battle

It was agreed during the league's annual general meeting on Monday night that the new campaign would commence on September 5.

The development comes following the recent FA announcement that grassroots leagues can begin in September - as long as the necessary Covid-19 risk assessments and comprehensive plans are in place.

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East Sussex League fixture secretary Kevin Bray said: "It was agreed officially our season starts on September 5.

"We'll be contacting all the clubs to make sure everything's in hand to start on that date, provided all the grounds and things are prepared to go."

An early September start would bring an end to almost six months of inactivity for the league's clubs after last season was halted in mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak - and subsequently curtailed.

"I do want to sound as positive as possible, but things can change very quickly and we've got to adapt," continued Bray.

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"Until September we don't know what's going to happen. Will things close down more or will they be less restricted? We'll prepare to start on September 5 if everyone's happy to do so."

Clubs will be allowed to play friendly fixtures from tomorrow (Saturday) in preparation for the start of the league programme, but the matchday environment will be rather different from what players have become used to.

The conditions of play resuming include changing rooms not being used, first aiders wearing PPE, players and officials sanitising hands before and after matches, and the contact details of everybody attending games being recorded for NHS Test and Trace purposes.

Bray said: "Clubs have got to be prepared to make the changes if they want to play football.

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"I think in general they're keen to get going again, but I have had one or two clubs raise some concerns and we'll take that forward."

Bray added that "everything was agreed", including one or two rule changes, during Monday's annual meeting, which was held online due to the current restrictions on mass gatherings.

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