The FA have released their latest guidance for grassroots football, including non-elite football such as the Toolstation NCEL, as England prepares to go into the second phase of the Government's roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown.

It confirms that any football matches on private land, such as grounds and stadiums, must be played behind closed doors until Step Three of the process which is due to take place from 17th May, 2021.

The full text of the Spectators section of the guidelines reads as follows:

On 7th April, the Government updated its guidance in relation to spectators.

This confirms that at Step Two (from 12th April, 2021) and Step One B (from 29th March, 2021), spectators are not permitted to attend sporting events taking place on private land, other than adults needed to supervise U18s that they have a responsibility for or providing care or assistance to a person with disabilities. They should maintain social distance and not mix with other households.

This does not prevent people from viewing recreational or organised sport that is taking place in a public space, e.g. a park, at Step One B or Step Two, in groups of up to six people or two households.

However, sporting events that are intended to attract spectators (including ticketed football matches), or events that are likely to attract a significant number of spectators (e.g. matches that would attract a large crowd) should not take place in a public space, or on private land, until Step Three.

Guidance is also given with regards to outdoor hospitality at clubhouses:

As part of Step Two of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, outdoor hospitality at grassroots football is permitted.

All participants must follow Government guidance on hospitality settings and specific advice for sport facility operators available on the Government’s website.

People using clubhouses and hospitality facilities must adhere to legal gathering limits and wider Government guidance.

Please note that while outdoor hospitality is permitted, spectators are not allowed at games unless on public land.

Click here to see the FA's full guidelines.
Click here to see the Government's overall guidance.