Hi all,
I wondered what people's experiences of playing/attempting to play 5/6/7-a-side have been like since March?
As I understood it, from March only FA-affiliated clubs could play legally, so my usual group of mates and I didn't play until after the summer lockdown, in October. We played once at a local leisure centre (the centre seemed bemused that I was even questioning their being open for bookings) but then lockdown was reintroduced here so we couldn't play again.
I have the outdoor pitch booked for tonight (they didn't question it at all when I booked) and couldn't see any reason why we can't play, but have just read on the Government website that 'informal' sports outdoors are capped at 6 people - although I'm sure the website said differently a few days ago...
Personally, it's a dilemma because my mental health is suffering not seeing the lads and getting some exercise. It seems crazy that I am perfectly OK to work in a factory with 75 people in close proximity all week but not allowed to brush past someone for a split second outdoors, but there you go.
Anyway, has anyone else had the same issues, and what did you do?
Playing 5-a-side during COVID-19
posted on 4/12/20
We started playing again when pitches reopened in July. Talked a bit about whether to change the rules to make infection less likely (e.g. no tackling but limit to three touches of the ball) but ended up just playing normally. I can't overstate how great it felt to be playing football again - the football itself and the banter after months of lockdown. Really made a difference. We had to stop for November but I played again this week.
Obviously, whether to play depends on a lot of factors - local infection rates, your own vulnerability to complications, whether you live with people who are shielding.
posted on 4/12/20
RR - that's what I need right now, I can't wait to play again. We talked about adjusting the rules but decided it's basically impossible to keep track of and probably has a negligible effect anyway considering you're moving so quickly past each other most of the time.
I live in Norfolk so rates are low and widespread geographically but we are in the same tier as London and Liverpool.
Cinci - I get what you're saying, and when I said in close proximity, I meant I work in the same building and interact with 75 people each day but not constantly or face to face all day. After a hard week at work where it's deemed fine for me to mix with people (and probably moreso in shops), it's hard to take that I 'need' to avoid (minimal) contact with others outdoors when getting exercise. It seems really arbitrary.
posted on 4/12/20
Where are you OP?
My brother played six a-side (so group of 12) outdoors in London on Wednesday and there were no issues.
posted on 4/12/20
Where are you OP?
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In Norfolk, so in the same tier as London. I'm sure it'll be fine tonight, it is just strange that the Govt. website seems to rule it out completely and a local centre says they can't allow it but others will.. weird
posted on 4/12/20
I play indoors, so won't be expecting a return anytime soon.
posted on 4/12/20
Barefoot: that's a shame - indoors seems a long way off the way things are currently. Are you able to play outside where you are?
posted on 4/12/20
comment by Henry Chinaski (U21800)
posted 2 minutes ago
Barefoot: that's a shame - indoors seems a long way off the way things are currently. Are you able to play outside where you are?
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We can but the over 35's league is indoors. Local teams are training outside.
Back to coaching the kids tomorrow. This will keep me on my toes!
posted on 4/12/20
Played 6 a side pre lockdown V2 and it was absolutely rammed every week. Imagine it was mainly due to Notts Uni hammering power league before they all went home.
Started back up again last night but I'm injured so didn't go. Might be different now that most of the students have facked off.
11 a side is not going to be fun over the next couple of months without changing rooms. My strategically planned injury was timed to perfection
posted on 5/12/20
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/oct/8/thousands-scientists-urge-end-devastating-lockdown/
posted on 5/12/20
See I'm torn Jim because I don't want anyone"s Nan to die because of the virus but at the same time the Great Barrington Declaration does seem sensible in a lot of ways. As I mentioned, I've personally found the latest lockdown to be anxiety-inducing and I do wonder if the effects of lockdowns might be worse than the damage done by the virus itself