North Kent Sunday League on hold until January
The North Kent Sunday Football League has made the decision to postpone the return to league football until January 2021.
A statement released via Twitter reads;
To All Clubs
The Government imposed lockdown has ended and has been replaced by a tiered system of restrictions by geographical region.
Government guidelines have been issued regarding what is permitted in each tier. Kent is in tier 3 – very high risk.
Under the new regime, Grassroots football is permitted to restart but there are clear requirements placed on travel within and between tiers.
Most of the clubs in the NKSFL are in tier 3 but a number are in the neighbouring area, tier 2. This would necessitate clubs, players and officials moving between tiers in order to faciliate the delivery of a full programme.
The League has had discussions with representatives of the Kent FA about the best way to proceed and their information and advice has been useful, while stopping short of giving instruction. The responsibility for the decision remains with the League.
While there will clearly be a desire to get back to playing as soon as possible, this has to be balanced by the need to protect the health, welfare and safety of everyone concerned and so it is after due consideration that, reluctantly, the League have decided to further suspend the league programme until January so that the situation can be assessed and proper arrangements made to restart in the new year in the light of the prevailing situation and any further decisions made regarding the restrictions currently imposed.
We are all missing our football and it is with sadness that this decision has been taken, but we are sure you will understand that a cautious and sensible approach is in the best interests of all concerned.
Further updates will be given in due course and all clubs will be kept appraised of the League’s position. In the meantime please keep safe and we look forward to resuming our programme as soon as possible.
Nick Bannister
Chairman – North Kent Sunday League
North Kent Sunday Football League Tables and Results
FA Guidelines for Non Elite and Grassroots Football – 2nd December