THE NEW FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF AT GREEN LANE PLAYING FIELDS
Football is back. With the Covid-19 Government guidance for football confirming that grassroots leagues and FA Competitions can commence from September, Wiltshire FA has been preparing to officially open the new facility, Green Lane Playing Fields.
Mark Young, Football Development Manager at Wiltshire FA said, “Construction was completed at Green Lane during lockdown. Over the past few months, as lockdown measures have been eased, we have gradually been able to safely welcome small groups of people on site. We are delighted the latest guidance enables us to officially open in September ready for the new football season.”
Although construction was completed at Green Lane Playing Fields in April the site remained completely closed to the public until June due to Covid-19 lockdown measures in the UK. Initially, when lockdown began to be eased, the 3G pitch was able to be used for small training sessions but in line with the FA guidance, published on 18th July, competitive football was able to return in the form of competitive training, friendlies and competitions and from September Grassroots leagues and FA Competitions are able to commence.
It has been confirmed that outdoor grassroots football is allowed to continue as an exemption of the latest planned measured in response to Covid-19, published by the government on 9th September, but with emphasis placed on the importance of following the guidelines in place. Download the FAQ's here.
Mark continues, “During the unexpected, quieter months, we have been preparing the new site ready to welcome the community.
“As with any new site there has been lots to organise from signage and security to bookings and equipment. On top of that we have spent time making sure we are operating a Covid-safe site, ensuring we have all the necessary procedures in place required for a safe opening.
“Recently we have been able to mark out our three grass pitches that surround the 3G pitch and install the goals ready for training and matches. These are the finishing touches that really make the site feel complete and ready for a great comeback season.”
MH Goals are Wiltshire FA’s preferred supplier of goals and will be installing and maintaining the goals at Green Lane Playing Fields.
Matthew Harrod, Sales Director at MH Goals said, “We are delighted to be working with Wiltshire FA. It has been an unprecedented few months but now with the installation of the goals it means the site is ready and the game can get going.
“The facility is an impressive, purpose-built hub for football, and we are installing high quality goals and nets that comply to the latest safety standards.
“As experts on goal post safety, design and manufacturing we encourage any of the clubs in Wiltshire to get in touch to find out more about our wide range of safe and durable football equipment. We are more than happy to give them expert advice on safety and maintenance, and as part of our partnership with Wiltshire FA, we are offering affiliated clubs in Wiltshire up to 20% discount on goals, line markers and nets.”
MH Goals is one of the country’s leading sports equipment manufacturers, supplying national stadiums, Premier League clubs, universities and many grassroots clubs.
Mark concludes, “The pitch markings, new goals and increase of sessions taking place at the facility is transforming the site into a community hub.
It has been great to welcome people to Green Lane, albeit in small groups. The site has a great atmosphere and it is nice to hear the noise of footballs and the laughter of kids, we can’t wait to have more people enjoying the facility.”
