Northampton borough is currently seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, and residents are being asked to follow additional measures to help reduce case numbers and avoid further restrictions such as a local lockdown from being enforced.  
Therefore, we would like to remind all football clubs to be extra vigilant in following The FA’s detailed Covid-19 guidance on re-starting grassroots football. This includes guidance around spectators; the aim being to keep numbers to a minimum, accepting the requirement to meet safeguarding and safety standards at Youth Football level.

Given the current situation, Public Health Northamptonshire have recommended that Northamptonshire FA inform local football clubs and organisations that any competition that includes more than two teams should not be permitted at the current time (including football festivals, small-sided competitions or multi-team tournaments). 

Teams and players often travel between different areas of the county for these tournaments and this increases the transmission risk between higher and lower risk areas. The situation will be reviewed on Wednesday 12 August 2020. 

Compliance will be monitored and if there are any breaches of this guidance, local enforcement powers may be implemented. 

We would ask for your support in following this guidance so we can all work towards a return to a more normal situation soon.