The latest update from The FA and Gloucestershire FA on the Coronavirus.

Following the Prime Minister’s Press Conference yesterday advising the nation to limit unnecessary social contact, The FA has taken the decision to postpone all grassroots Football in England for the foreseeable future. The official statement from The FA reads:

“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.”

As a result of the decision to postpone all football, Gloucestershire FA has followed the recommendation to postpone all football related activities in the County with immediate effect until further notice. This will affect the following:

• County Cups fixtures

• Walking Football – League, Recreational

• League Football – Youth up to Adult Level Football (Saturday’s and Sunday’s) including training sessions

• Disability Football – Recreational, League, England Talent Hub

• Women & Girls – Wildcat sessions, Advanced Coaching Centre (ACC), League and Recreational Football

• Veterans League

• Small sided Football – Business League, Friday Night League, The FA FIVES

• Recreational Football – Just Play and Walking Football sessions

• Coach Education Courses – FA Level Coaching in Football, Emergency Aid, Goalkeeping Courses, Futsal, Safeguarding, Welfare etc

• Referee courses/ follow up sessions

• Pitch bookings at GFA

We would like to take this moment to remind everyone of the following measures they can take to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

• To reduce spread, regularly wash your hands with soap and water – 20 seconds is advised.

• Hand sanitiser could be used if soap and water is not available.

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of immediately and follow this by re-washing your hands.

• Do not get too close to people who appear unwell.

• Consider avoiding travelling to countries that are high risk due to high incidence of the infection.

• If you are unwell and are displaying symptoms of the virus, self-isolate at home. The government recommends to self-isolate for 7 days.

To help minimise the risk of the virus spreading, the Gloucestershire FA Office will be closed and staff will be working from home until further notice. Contact details of staff can be found below.

Matt Boucher, Football Development Manager - 07534 096 185

Jack Stanbury, Football Development Officer (small-sided, walking football, Just Play, Adult Male development) - 07976 442 532

Alexis Lunn-Gadd, Football Development Officer (Women and Girls) - 07890 536 250

Roger Vaughan, Referee Development Officer - 07970 226 030

Hugh Feltham, Designated Safeguarding Officer - 07960 500 130 

Additionally you can contact each staff member by typing (first name).(last name)@GloucestershireFA.com and Board of Directors here.