Tennis, basketball and netball courts are set to reopen from 2 December as lockdown lifted.
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London’s sporting bodies and players have welcomed the government’s decision to lift the grassroots sport ban from 2 December. Non-elite sport has not been allowed since 5 November, when England entered its second national lockdown.
The Prime Minister has announced a return to a tiered system of Coronavirus restrictions, but this time sports facilities will be allowed to remain open in all levels.
A decision on which areas will be in which tiers is expected this afternoon.
Which sports does this affect?
The following will be allowed to reopen as England moves into tiered restrictions next week:
Gyms and leisure centres
Swimming pools
Tennis, basketball and netball courts
Golf courses
Outdoor sports clubs and exercise groups
What about indoor sport?
Rules on indoor sport depends on which tier your area is in.
Tier 1:
Indoor sport is allowed within the rule of six. This means people from different households could play a tennis doubles match or a 3 vs 3 volleyball match.
Larger indoor group activities, such as exercise classes, are allowed provided people remain in groups of 6 and do not mix.
Tier 2:
Indoor sport is only allowed with your own household.
Larger indoor group activities are allowed, provided people separate into household groups and do not mix.
Tier 3:
Indoor sport is restricted to within your household only.
Larger indoor group activities are banned.
The reaction
Many sports organisations and players have let out a sigh of relief, after campaigning for the return of grassroots sport for weeks. They argued it is crucial for people’s mental and physical health during the pandemic.
Charlotte Dukes, committee member, referee and player at the Super 5 football league in Hackney, told City News she was “over the moon” it could restart.
She added, “I think you can’t underestimate the beneficial impact it has on people’s mental health, encouraging them to come outside, socialise and actually get fresh air”.
Football pundit, Robbie Savage, has also been vocal in his support of the campaign.
We did it , thank you to everyone who pushed for the return of grassroots sports ! ????⚽️
Isobel McCarthy, who plays netball for Balham Ballers, has told City News the weeks without it have been hard.
She said: “It’s dark, I’m a woman, do I want to go be going out on my own exercising? No not really. Do my housemates run? No, so it’s just a bit of a problem. I haven’t replaced it with anything, and I can feel that effect it’s had on me as a person and on my mental health.”
James Smith, who works for the England Rugby Football Union, welcomed the government’s announcement:
“When you think about the grassroots people, like the fans, they are the people who prop up the whole system so it’s definitely important that the government should be looking after grassroots where possible and that’s what they’ve done”, he said.
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HeadlineCountdown to kick-off: London sport groups welcome return of grassroots sport
Short HeadlineLondon sporting bodies welcome return of grassroots sport
StandfirstGrassroots sport has been banned in England since 5 November but will be allowed from 2 December.
London’s sporting bodies and players have welcomed the government’s decision to lift the grassroots sport ban from 2 December. Non-elite sport has not been allowed since 5 November, when England entered its second national lockdown.
The Prime Minister has announced a return to a tiered system of Coronavirus restrictions, but this time sports facilities will be allowed to remain open in all levels.
A decision on which areas will be in which tiers is expected this afternoon.
Which sports does this affect?
The following will be allowed to reopen as England moves into tiered restrictions next week:
Gyms and leisure centres
Swimming pools
Tennis, basketball and netball courts
Golf courses
Outdoor sports clubs and exercise groups
What about indoor sport?
Rules on indoor sport depends on which tier your area is in.
Tier 1:
Indoor sport is allowed within the rule of six. This means people from different households could play a tennis doubles match or a 3 vs 3 volleyball match.
Larger indoor group activities, such as exercise classes, are allowed provided people remain in groups of 6 and do not mix.
Tier 2:
Indoor sport is only allowed with your own household.
Larger indoor group activities are allowed, provided people separate into household groups and do not mix.
Tier 3:
Indoor sport is restricted to within your household only.
Larger indoor group activities are banned.
The reaction
Many sports organisations and players have let out a sigh of relief, after campaigning for the return of grassroots sport for weeks. They argued it is crucial for people’s mental and physical health during the pandemic.
Charlotte Dukes, committee member, referee and player at the Super 5 football league in Hackney, told City News she was “over the moon” it could restart.
She added, “I think you can’t underestimate the beneficial impact it has on people’s mental health, encouraging them to come outside, socialise and actually get fresh air”.
Football pundit, Robbie Savage, has also been vocal in his support of the campaign.
We did it , thank you to everyone who pushed for the return of grassroots sports ! ????⚽️
Isobel McCarthy, who plays netball for Balham Ballers, has told City News the weeks without it have been hard.
She said: “It’s dark, I’m a woman, do I want to go be going out on my own exercising? No not really. Do my housemates run? No, so it’s just a bit of a problem. I haven’t replaced it with anything, and I can feel that effect it’s had on me as a person and on my mental health.”
James Smith, who works for the England Rugby Football Union, welcomed the government’s announcement:
“When you think about the grassroots people, like the fans, they are the people who prop up the whole system so it’s definitely important that the government should be looking after grassroots where possible and that’s what they’ve done”, he said.
Two North London clubs are in Champions League action tonight with Spurs looking to bounce back at home, and Arsenal seeking victory in Eastern Europe.
