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COVID19 UPDATE

Latest Update - 8/04/2020

Update- 8th April

Firstly, I hope you are all safe and well whilst we battle against this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic together. 

Clearly this is a very difficult time for many organisations. Following consultation with my Board colleagues at Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, I am writing to update you regarding a key decision that we have had to make at this time.  With effect from Wednesday 8th April, Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA staff  with the exception of those listed below will be placed on furlough leave. This situation will however be kept under review and re-assessed in line with organisational needs and Government updates.

Our team have been supportive of this decision and we all look forward to returning to work together at the earliest possible opportunity in order to help support football across our region.

  • Simon Frost – General Manager
  • Sarah Wood – Football Development Manager
  • Rob Wharton – Discipline & Governance
  • Claire MacRory – Safeguarding
  • Geoff Wainwright – Finance
  • Leon Dearns – Football Development (Leagues)
  • Aaron Bannister - Referee Development
  • Molly Johnson – Business Support

 For general enquiries during this time please continue to use the following email address Support@SheffieldFA.com

 Please stay safe, and follow government advice. 

Uriah Rennie – Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Chair

Update- 1st April

SHCFA COUNTY CUPS UPDATE

Important Information

Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Cup Competitions

Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA is following FA guidance that all grassroots football is suspended. This means that we are unable to play County FA cup matches, and therefore cup competitions are now placed “on hold”. The Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Cups Committee appreciates that this is a challenging period for all involved in grassroots football, however health and wellbeing considerations are paramount at this time, and we thank you for your understanding and support. Further updates around concluding the 2019-20 Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Cup competitions will be issued once further guidance from The FA or Government is available

 Please stay save and follow the advice given by government.

 With best wishes from myself and the staff team at Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA.

Uriah Rennie – Chair, Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA.

 

Update - 26th March 

FA STATEMENT UPDATE ON NON-LEAGUE, WOMEN'S & GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL SEASONS

The FA has today released a further statement (see below) regarding Covid 19. Although the County FA office is now closed the team are still contactable, and we are available to help should clubs, leagues or stakeholders have any questions.

The Chair and Board of Directors send their best wishes to all our members. 

FA Statement

The Football Association [The FA] has been working collaboratively with the National League System [NLS], the Women’s Football Pyramid and the wider grassroots game since the outbreak of COVID-19 on how to conclude the 2019/20 season in the most appropriate way possible.

These are challenging circumstances for English football and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game and in consultation across key stakeholders. Our primary concern will always be for the safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time.

Today’s steps take into account the financial impact during this uncertain period, whilst considering the fairest method on how the sporting outcomes for the season will be decided, with the integrity of the Leagues in mind. The NLS and the Women’s Football Pyramid were able to build a consensus amongst their leagues and, where possible, aimed to create a consistent approach across all leagues, whilst taking into account the unique characteristics of each individual league. As a result, The FA and NLS Steps 3 to 6 have reached a consensus that their 2019/20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS Steps 3 to 6, and no promotion to NLS Step 2. These decisions will also apply to the Leagues and clubs who play at NLS Step 7.

The FA will continue to assist and support the National League [NLS Steps 1 and 2] to determine the outcome of its 2019/20 season as quickly as possible.

The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will also now be deferred until the start of the 2021/22 season.

Furthermore, we can now confirm that The FA has decided that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019/20 season. This will allow the game to move forward and to commence planning for next season. Our County Football Associations [CFAs] will be supporting grassroots leagues over the coming days to determine how they should close out their current competitions.

Where appropriate, the above decisions will be put to The FA Council for ratification.

Throughout this period The FA continues to seek guidance in respect of the Government’s financial support packages relative to COVID-19 and how they are applicable to clubs in the NLS, the Women’s Football Pyramid and the wider grassroots game.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

 In the women’s game, The FA, FA Women’s Board members and the Women’s Football Conference have consulted and reached a consensus regarding the Women’s Football Pyramid.

 The FA and the Leagues within Tiers 3 to 7 have reached a consensus to bring the season to an immediate end and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between Tiers 3 to 7. Agreement has also been reached to end the Regional Talent Clubs season, which was due to conclude in April 2020.

 We remain in consultation with the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship Board and clubs regarding the most appropriate way to complete the current season; including the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Academy.

FA COMPETITIONS

 With the Emirates FA Cup, Women’s FA Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase 2019/20 all at advanced stages, The FA is reviewing all options as we seek to complete these competitions whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so. Clubs involved are close to reaching a major Final and for those clubs and supporters we will do all we can to keep the Wembley dream alive.

In respect of The FA Youth Cup, The FA County Youth Cup, The FA Sunday Cup and The FA Inter-League Cup, we are also seeking to complete these competitions if it is feasible to do so.

The FA will also continue planning for FA Competitions to take place for the 2020/21 season.

Update – 17th March 

Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Update (Uriah Rennie, Chair)

Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA’s priority is the health and wellbeing of all. From the 17th March 2020 this office will be closed to visitors. However, we have contingencies in place and will continue to support the grassroots game during this period.  All staff can be contacted on the telephone numbers below.  

 

Update - 16th March 

FA Announcement (16/03/2020)

"Following the Government’s announcement today, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future.

Throughout this period, we have taken Government advice with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.

We are in regular communication with the Government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review. Further updates will follow as needed".

Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA will also postpone all courses, events and workshops until further notice. 

During this time please use the following email address and telephone numbers to contact SHCFA staff (in the first instance, please use email or mobile numbers); 

Email:  Support@SheffieldFA.com

Safeguarding
Claire MacRory - 07534 442015

Education / Courses
Sarah Wood - 07841 466057

Discipline
Robert Wharton - 07704 170919

Football Development
Sam Firth - 07837 294310
Mark Wozniak - 07805 683784
Tom Measham - 07704 170915
Mike Drummond - 07704 170917
Leon Dearns - 07704 170925
Aaron Bannister - 07704 170918    

SHCFA office: 0114 261 5500 

 
Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice provided by the Football Association and the Government.

 

Update - 13th March


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.
 
VISIT GOV.UK

What about SHCFA Courses?

We are currently operating our courses as usual except medical courses which include the FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football and FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid courses, until minimum of April 4th, due to the nature of how these courses are delivered. During our courses we will be reminding individuals of basic hand hygiene protocols and cough etiquette and ask all learners to observe these during the course programme.

If you have travelled to and from the affected areas (Click Here), in the past 14 days, have been in contact with anyone affected by the virus or are showing symptoms we ask that you do not travel to the venue and advise us accordingly. The recommendation is for you to seek advice from NHS 111.

What if the situation changes? 
We are actively monitoring Government advice in case 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.

 

FA Spokesperson: “The FA is fully aware that there are questions about whether grassroots football in England should be played because of the Covid-19 virus."
 

“Consistent with Government advice, The FA is recommending that grassroots football is able to continue as usual for now, with each league or centre making its own individual decision based on its local situation and the availability of players and officials. However, we would fully respect and support any leagues, centres or teams that wish to postpone fixtures in light of the Covid-19 virus.
 

The decision to postpone all professional football in England has been taken with the integrity of the competitions in mind, considering the availability of players, staff and facilities.
 

We will continue to monitor all Government advice and keep the situation under constant review, with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. Further updates will follow as needed."