Outdoor facilities opening early steps on ‘return to club life’ for sport in Northern Ireland

Guidance from governing bodies such as the Irish Football Association, Cricket Ireland and Irish Rugby Football Union has been delivered across the past few days.

Individual clubs working within the guidelines of Stormont’s five-step COVID-19 recovery plan have mapped out ways to implement the respective health and safety protocols and progress towards training schedules.

Many sports officials have requested clubs to appoint COVID-19 safety officers, with training sessions planned to ensure the comprehensive regulations can be implemented over the next few weeks.

Non-contact training for small groups is now permitted but clubs must first adopt and adhere to strict hygiene guidelines ahead of athletes stepping back out on the grass.

Discussions over booking and access to council-owned facilities must also take place alongside the comprehensive club planning.

“The health and safety of everyone is obviously the main concern, so we will take as much time as required to successfully implement the protocols,” said Waringstown Cricket Club’s Lee Nelson. “Initial meetings have helped map out a plan for the next fortnight or so.

“It demands a lot of work but we view these crucial steps as moving closer to a return to club life.”