The big positive is that the government and governing bodies recognise the importance of exercise and recreation for young people during the level 5 restrictions. Clubs are permitted to train in pods of up to 15 (including 2 coaches) and non-contact format. As long as its safe to do so we are committed to providing ongoing activity for our members but health and safety of all will remain our number one priority.

Even better news, the county boundary restriction has been removed and we can return to training full groups at the facilities in St Annes, the 3G and Clarisford Main and Sand pitch. We worked hard to influence the thinking in this regard. Two towns, one heart, a community that functions as one entity. This needs to be protected when future restrictions are being considered. The FAI have further clarified that it is permissible for parents to travel beyond the 5km limit to bring children to training.

To meet our responsibilities for pod size control and ensure contact tracing we need 100% adherence to the pre-registration process. The parent / guardian of every juvenile player needs to

· Have downloaded Clupzap - https://clubzap.com/download?club_id=1351

· Choose Lough Derg FC

· Select the squad – eg boys u16B, Academy u6, girls under 11 (if playing on multiple squads you need to select all squads applicable)

· The squad admin – usually head coach needs to approve your application

· Once on the squad you must accept or decline any invitation to training.

· If accepting you must complete the covid declaration form.

Any issues help and FAQs available on http://www.loughdergfc.com/pages/clubzap-faqs

Folks, can we ask everyone to take time today to ensure that all the admin and registration matters are resolved before training tomorrow. If there are delays or missing registrations at best players will be delayed on training and at worst won’t be permitted to train and no one wants that.

As well as registration can we ask that all players and parents are covid aware. No unnecessary gathering before or after training, wearing masks and using sanitiser as appropriate.

Permission to train through level 5 was far for assured. We need to ensure the highest standards of health and safety are fully adhered to. Everyone needs to do their bit. We are all in this together.