Excellent news, Lough Derg FC club training will recommence the week commencing 15th June, in accordance with the FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol. With the health and safety of our members and our community our primary concern, the return to play is subject to a host of non-negotiable requirements. Protocol in full attached
In the first week a limited number of squads will participate in a pilot return to play, and subject to this being successful, all competitive squads (from u12 up) may return from the week commencing 22nd June. At this point in time it’s not envisaged that the academy squads (u6 to u11) will return to training just yet. However, plans are being put in place to run FAI summer soccer camps for this age-group later this summer.
The LDFC committee have had multiple sessions to review the FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol and ensure compliant processes are in place to safely return. Risk assessments have been completed and we have completed the appropriate processes and paperwork to return to training.
Parents/ Players/Participants should familiarise themselves the Safer Return to Training Protocol and also the HSE guidance on the Coronavirus https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
Key considerations and obligations for return to training:
· Social distancing with the 2m rule applies at all times. Therefore football activity is strictly non-contact.
· Training group numbers are strictly limited to groups of 15 – underage groups – maximum of 13 players and two coaches. For adult groups maximum of 14 players plus one coach.
· Strict playing area dimensions determine group size. Our main pitch in Clarisford can accommodate groups of 15. The Training Area in Clarisford can accommodate small groups of up to 8 players.
· All training sessions are observed by a Covid officer responsible for compliance with the protocol.
· No sharing of personal equipment – water bottles, gloves, playing gear etc. and all equipment and facilities sanitised after use. Participants to bring their own playing equipment and hand sanitizer.
· All participants must book their place at a training session in advance of arrival through the “google forms” that will be sent with the invitation to train. Completion of this form will include a medical questionnaire. No person can attend training without having completed the training booking form. This is to ensure records enable contact tracing and ensure group limits are adhered to. Example of form attached https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdo2LJ1cAOloyU7hifWN6Epd0DFI1ZumFAyR5XenX2cRbhHuw/viewform
· All coaches must be familiar with the return to play protocol and their obligations. Briefing session held for club coaches with recording and Q&A available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Ts3ojw-IU
· Entrance and Exit signage will direct participants through playing areas and must be followed
· Parents / spectators should not congregate at the training area.
Folks, in summary we are very excited about the ability to return to play. The easy thing would be to let the summer pass and hope things go back to normal. However, we feel that our young members need a return to football for their health and wellbeing. Health and safety is our primary concern. Return comes with responsibilities. All participants – players, parents, coaches, committee, compliance officers have a duty to ensure they are fully aware of their obligations and adhere strictly to the protocol required to make this a safe success.
Any queries please contact lead Covid Compliance Officer Mike Beddows or any member of the committee.
Let the games begin – compliantly!
Lough Derg FC Committee
