Following the latest update from the States of Guernsey earlier today, and the confirmation of the phases included within the Exit from Lockdown strategy, the Guernsey FA is hopeful that there will not be a significant delay to the start of the 2020/21 local football season, which will be possible when the island reaches Phase 5 of the strategy. The GFA is acutely mindful that this will be dependant on the success of the earlier phases of the Exit from Lockdown strategy but the football community can at least now begin to positively look forward to resuming the island’s leading participation sport.

In recent weeks, the GFA has been continuing the planning for the next season and has been working with the FA to identify measures to support the local clubs. These initial measures for the 2020/21 season can now be confirmed as being the following:

•             No affiliation fee for clubs

•             Free entry into GFA Cup competitions – Jeremie, Stranger and FA Cups

•             Free Public Liability insurance

Guernsey FA Chief Executive, Gary Roberts commented that:

“The GFA is working closely with the Guernsey Sports Commission to ensure that any decisions taken about the resumption of football are in accordance with the Sports Commission’s Exit Strategy for Sport, which will be closely aligned to the Exit from Lockdown strategy. However, we can now begin to look forward to football resuming and the planning we have been doing over the past 8 weeks can move towards being implemented over the coming months.

“One of the areas we have been looking at is how we can provide some initial support to local clubs ahead of the next season and I am delighted that the GFA Board has approved a recommendation for affiliation fees to be waived for the 2020/21 season, along with allowing free entry into all GFA cup competitions.  In addition, the GFA will be covering the cost of Public Liability insurance for each affiliated club, with all of these measures designed to save some of the annual costs for local clubs and help clubs to be ready for the start of the season. We look forward to working with the clubs, GFLM and our various and invaluable sponsors to ensure that the 2020/21 season will be a successful one for all involved in the game.”