Under 18s football could restart in Wales at the end of the month if “conditions continue to be favourable”

The Welsh Government has announced a series steps which will start to unlock the current restrictions that have been in place since December.

Speaking during a press conference today, First Minister Mark Drakeford said some limited outdoor sport can resume from Saturday.

Sports facilities including tennis courts, basketball courts, golf courses and bowling greens will be permitted to reopen.

A maximum of four people from two households will be able to take part in activities using local sports facilities.

All football activities were suspended in Wales in mid December as Covid cases rose and the country went into lockdown.

The Welsh Government has now offered a glimmer of hope to the thousands of young footballers desperate to get back playing with their grassroots and academy teams.

With regards to team sports, Mr Drakeford said today that “organised outdoor activities for children will resume from Saturday, March 27.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has said football activity for Under 18s will return from that date.

An FAW spokesperson said: “The Welsh Government have provided details on how the country will move out of lockdown over the coming weeks.”

“If the public health conditions continue to be favourable, organised outdoor activities for children will resume from Saturday, March 27.”

“If this is the case, football activity for Under 18s will return from this date.”

“The FAW are awaiting clarification from Welsh Government on specific restrictions that may be in place for football activity to return for Under 18s and updated Return to Play protocols will be communicated as soon as possible.”

These are the key dates with regards to lockdown easing in Wales.

From Saturday 13 March:

No more than four people from two households will be able to meet in their local area outdoors, including in gardens.

Children under 11 and carers do not count towards this limit.

There must be no indoors mixing and social distancing should be followed.

Outdoor sports facilities can reopen, including tennis courts, golf courses and bowling greens.

A maximum of four people from two households can take part in activities using local sports facilities.

Indoor care home visits can resume for one designated visitor, with the permission of the care home.

From Monday 15 March:

All primary pupils and those in qualifications years will return.

Schools will have the flexibility to bring in year 10 and 12 pupils, to support them to progress to the next stage of their learning, and more learners will return to colleges.

There will also be flexibility for in-school check-ins for all other pupils.

All learners will return after the Easter break.

Hairdressers and barbers can reopen by appointment only to cut hair.

From Monday 22 March:

The first steps to re-open non-essential retail will begin. Restrictions on the sale of non-essential items will be lifted for those shops, which are currently open.

Garden centres will also reopen.

During the third week of the review period, the Welsh Government “will take stock” of the latest evidence before confirming changes for the Easter holidays.

If the public health conditions continue to be favourable, from 27 March:

-The stay local restrictions will be lifted to allow people to travel within Wales.
-Self-contained holiday accommodation will re-open for one household.
-Organised children’s activities outdoors will restart.
-Libraries will reopen.

The review on 1st April will consider whether all remaining shops and close contact services can reopen on the 12th April. This is in line with planned re-opening in England.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We need everyone’s help as we start to unlock these restrictions. We all need to follow the rules, maintain social distancing, good hand hygiene and to wear face coverings in indoor public places.

“We all want to see Wales re-open and the return of a more normal life. This is within sight – but only if we can keep the virus under control. No one wants us to have to reintroduce strict restrictions, to retreat from the progress we have made. Only by working together, can we help keep Wales safe.”