Can every participant in the SYACL please read the following government and FA rulings. It is imperative we adhere to the points in order to keep our games on.

Remember, all our participants are in the extremely vulnerable grouping section of society.

• If anyone shows symptoms, or anyone in a participants family or bubble shows symptoms, PLEASE don’t arrive on the day.

• Risk Assessment completed.

• Covid-19 Co-ordinator nominated, Colin Muncie.

• No spectators – venue requirement. Two club officials only; others to remain in cars. Clubs to manage.

• Clubs to provide lists of players and officials and contact details to Mike for track and trace. Mike is nominated contact for Goals.

• Clubs in first series fixtures (1.40pm) to arrive not later than 1.10pm.

• Clubs with a 2.55pm kick off to arrive between 2.20pm and 2.30pm.

• Clubs with a 3.25 pm kick-off to arrive 2.55pm-3.05 pm.   

• Please keep personal items to a minimum; leave in cars where possible.

• Teams should bring a plastic cover for personal items in case of rain.

On arrival.

• Two club officials to gather all players together in car park before proceeding to pitch entrance.

• Don’t forget your list of names and contact details.

• Groups to maintain social distancing at entrance-each club group is its own bubble.

• Please arrive changed and ready if you can.

• No changing rooms will be available, and only one set of toilets.

• Please do not enter Bar area or gather in Reception or Concourse.

• Bring your own drinks and hand gel – don’t share.

HYGIENE PROTOCOL.

• We’ll provide two bags – one per-pitch – containing sanitiser, wipes, PPE, gloves and aprons for post-match clean down, inc. balls and goalposts.

• Gloves and Apron ARE required for the treatment of injuries.

• Players are encouraged to bring own hand gel, although we will ensure we have plenty on site.

• Everyone is encouraged to wear face coverings even when in close proximity to teammates, in “holding areas”, or in transit through Goals.

• Players requiring toilet facilities MUST be accompanied by one club official.

ENTERING THE PLAYING AREA

• Teams approach entrance in groups – each group socially distanced from the other. Strict 2 metre distance at all times.

• Groups encouraged strongly to wear face coverings .

• Mike, Colin and Darren are at the entrance to receive contact details lists.

• Temperature check for each participant.

• Hand sanitizer will be made available/given to all participants.

• Groups to establish a socially distanced spot on Pitch 4, the holding area.

PLAYING AREA

• One way system through corridors entering and leaving.

• All teams must use the one-way system to access their pitch or when returning to holding area.

• The SYACL won’t be issuing bibs so we ask that clubs provide their own in the event of a colour clash; Mike has investigated and advised affected teams.

• Once your matches are over please collect your things from the holding area and leave the venue as quickly as you can.

• No spitting or unnecessary contact/celebration.

• Don’t enter the bar area or gather in the Goals building.

• Pitches 5 and 7 are match pitches. Only subs and officials at pitch side please – socially distanced. Viewing possible from Pitch 4. One way system on the route to pitches.

• No other teams should be within the playing area if they are not directly involved.

• If a ball leaves one pitch and enters another, please do not use your hands to retrieve it.

• Please do not warm up with footballs in the holding area (Pitch 4) . This increases the risk of transmission between groups. Store any personal items within Pitch 4.

AFTER GAMES

• Please leave the venue as quickly as you can taking your belongings and litter with you.

• Can each team ask one of the officials to write up a short summary of the game from their perspective. This is for the SYACL Website.

• Please raise any issues or concerns you experience on the day with Mike, Darren or Colin.

• Any suggestions for how we can improve the event will also be really welcome.

• Stay safe • Follow the guidance • Enjoy the games!

Mike “We’re all excited and delighted”

The South Yorkshire Ability Counts League gets back into action on Sunday, December 13^th, when Match Day Two of the 5-a-side competition kicks off at Goals Sheffield.

 www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com  will be building up to the restart in the coming week, but our editor, Margaret Gregory took time out to ask SYACL Chairman Mike Stylianou about the arrangements for next Sunday, which, sadly CAN still not allow spectators.

The website will offer the latest news, views, and reports on the action, but Margaret started by asking Mike about his reaction to the restart.

Mike:  We’re all excited and delighted that now lockdown has been lifted and permission granted, that the 5-a-side teams are able to return to League fixtures on the 13th December, at Sheffield Goals Centre.

SYACL:  We’ll be going ahead without spectators though, which is unfortunate but essential. This is all about minimising the risk of transmission to our vulnerable adults, I guess? 

Mike:  Exactly. Although it’s frustrating and sad that spectators are still not allowed to attend on match days, the overriding factor is the safety of all our members. Many of our players are vulnerable to the virus, especially those playing 5-a-side, and have recently been shielding. It is essential to minimise the risks of transmitting the virus and so by reducing the amount of people at the venues that allows for safer distancing between each other.

SYACL:  Any planned changes to how the first round of matches were managed at Goals Sheffield back in October?

Mike:  The format for League matches will remain as before, with most teams playing their matches back-to-back and organised staggered kick off times. The arrangements will continue as before, teams will have scheduled arrival and departure times and all players, team officials and League officials will be temperature checked and offered sanitiser on arrival.

SYACL:  The League website will be publishing up to date match day advice ahead of next week. Any last words for the players, coaches and officials, Mike?

Mike:  We hope that everyone remains safe and healthy throughout this difficult period; we understand and appreciate that normal routines have, and will continue to, cause difficulties and challenges to many of our members. Ultimately our aim this season is to continue to offer our players the opportunity to continue playing competitive matches, in an environment that is as safe as possible, under current circumstances.

www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com will be updating the arrangements for Sunday on our website well in advance of next Sunday.

In the meantime, thanks to Mike, Darren, and Sean for their hard work in getting the games on, and we wish everyone every success.

Don’t forget – you can follow us on Twitter @SYorksACL.

Today we interview Club Doncaster Titans White midfielder, Liam Taylor, so turn over to the Club Doncaster Titans page and read on.

“It is a great League to play in and you will see other teams, who play in the League, and what level they are at – and you will make new friends too.”

Today we interview Asten Quinton, Club Doncaster Titans versatile midfielder.

“I would say to them join in training for one session and meet everyone, so you can see how great everyone is.”

Turn over to Club Doncaster Titans and read Asten’s interview and the rest of the team interviews.

Today we talk to Andrew Whittaker, striker for Club Doncaster Titans.

“Nerves are understandable, but joining a team and playing in the SYACL will be a decision you won’t regret. The bonds you will make with team mates and the positive feelings you will have from the game in this fantastic format will be totally worth it, I wish I’d known about it sooner.“

Turn over to the Club Doncaster Titans play and read about this inspirational young man.

As part of our running series on some of the familiar faces in and around the SYACL, Margaret Gregory, our editor here at www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com talks to Caroline “Kaz” Roberts, the brilliant goalkeeper for Club Doncaster Titans (Blue) 5-a side team. As usual, Margaret started by asking Kaz a little about herself.

“My name is Kaz Roberts and I am goalkeeper for the Blue Titans; I always loved playing football from the age of five.”

Turn over to Doncaster Titan’s and read the rest of the interview.

As Captain for Aston Swallownest I play in defence. I have been into football since my Dad first took me to Bramall Lane when I was little. I have played in the disability football Leagues since I was 18 playing for Grimsby Town DFC and Rotherham United DFC before joining Aston Swallownest.

“I’d say come down, join in, give it your best and enjoy it;”

Turn over to Aston Swallownest page and read the full interview.

Today its Doncaster Titan player, Archie Brook’s, interview.

“I am Archie Brook, centre back/ left back/right back for Club Doncaster Titans; and I became interested in football after watching the 2010 World Cup.

Everyone will make you feel welcome and there is no pressure on you.”

Turn to Club Doncaster Titans page to see the rest of his interview.

Today it’s Callum Hibbert in the spotlight.

“Just get involved really; everybody in the League is sound and it is okay to be nervous because I was; just message one of the teams and get involved. If it is anything like Titans, you will really enjoy yourself, because we are not just a football team – we are a family”. 

Turn to Club Doncaster Titans page to see the rest of his interview.

The Cameron Mounder interview is now over on the Club Doncaster Titans page.

“My name is Cameron Mounder and I play for Club Doncaster Titans as a defender, having developed an interest in football through a friend who used to play.”

Turn over to read the rest of the interview.