LATEST NEWS 2020/21 done
As the season progresses, Latest News items will be added with the latest at the top and will include the date posted and who was responsible for posting it.
For the LATEST COVID-19 CLUB & FA GUIDANCE plus any other related information, please visit the separate new page COVID LATEST NEWS - see menu bar or click HERE.
LATEST UPDATE from OYFL and Mark Toal (Chairman) 1/1/21
FROM Rob Roslyn - Secretary of the OYFL - sent to ALL CUB Secretaries to pass on to Managers
Dear all,
As you will know, the Oxfordshire Youth Football League is now completely in Tier 4, though this is split across several Tier areas which means that teams cannot travel from one area to another, and nor can referees. In addition, under Tier 4 restrictions, teams in the U21 divisions cannot play nor train (unless all their players are under 18) as they are classed as “open age” i.e. adult. This means that more than 10% of the League cannot play fixtures, and this will affect the other teams in their divisions whilst the restrictions are in place.
In addition, we have had numerous clubs express their concerns about playing and travelling under Tier 4 restrictions, particularly with a new, more contagious COVID variant out there, and whilst school return has been delayed for many older children.
Therefore the League Committee has decided that, with immediate effect, all fixtures across the League are suspended until further notice.
This was not a decision we have taken lightly and it has been taken in order to provide clarity to everyone involved, and also to safeguard everyone at a time of increased risk and uncertainty. We appreciate that this decision may be welcomed by some and not by others, but please rest assured it has been taken with everyone’s best interests in mind.
We will review this decision after the next Government review of the tier restrictions, which is due on 14th January.
We understand that the Oxfordshire FA is seeking clarification on the question of whether teams can train if matches are not taking place and we will forward that information once it is received.
Some teams may have been arranging friendlies over the coming weeks. We have no jurisdiction over these but would recommend clubs review whether these should go ahead.
We will be in touch again later in January, and in the meantime stay safe and Happy New Year.
With best wishes.
Rob
FROM Mark Toal - Chairman of Bluebirds FC
Hi All,
Happy New Year to you! Hope you have all had good Christmases, under the circumstances.
With thanks to Karen for forwarding, please see the ABOVE from the League. Grateful if managers could highlight to parents that fixtures are regrettably suspended until further notice. This should not be a surprise to anyone.
Given the advice below, and public health advice generally in this phase of the pandemic (also noting cases of covid in the village), we cannot okay friendlies either.
I also note below that the League will be providing further advice about training. Until that advice comes through, we cannot okay training either. This might seem harsh but I think that as a Club, we need to take a precautionary approach, given the dire covid situation generally at this time.
I have not yet seen anything official come through from the Girls League, but the above advice should apply to all Bluebirds teams for the time being, until official advice changes.
Sorry I can’t provide more upbeat news at the moment. Will do in future, but not quite sure when!
Best wishes,
Mark
Dave Evans : posted Friday 1st January 2021
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GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL (MATCHES & TRAINING)
CAN RESUME ON WEDNESDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2020
Following Parliament's vote this afternoon (1/12/2020), Grassroots Football Training & Matches can now resume from tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd December).
However, please note that ALL FA Guidelines & Advice that was issued prior to the last 4 weeks lockdown regarding Format/Organisation/Procedures/Social distancing/Test & Trace/etc. for BOTH TRAINING & MATCHES is STILL VALID and should be followed.
Please scroll down for the FA guidance/information/links.
Dave Evans : posted Tuesday 1st December 2020
Communication from the FA
The UK Government has confirmed that organised sports, which include Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS], Tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP] and outdoor grassroots football, can continue as an exemption to its latest planned measures in response to Covid-19.
Organised football activity is currently permitted at these levels but it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19 and respective bespoke guidelines from The Football Association [The FA].
Re-starting the game at these levels has been a significant challenge for everyone involved and we must acknowledge the hard work, passion and commitment of the football family. However, it is vital that we all adhere to these guidelines and ensure it can continue in a safe and secure way.
As part of this exemption, The FA can also clarify that clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP remain permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators if they follow the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19and The FA’s guidelines for the NLS or WFP.
Clubs in the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, Tiers 5-7 of the WFP and outdoor grassroots football also remain permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators but they too must adhere to the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19 and The FA guidelines for outdoor grassroots football.
Supporters are the life force of our national sport and The FA hopes to see them return in greater numbers across the country as soon as it is safe and possible. However, we must continue to work together and play our part by following all the relevant guidelines if this is to become a reality.
The FA remains in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, leagues and competitions and will provide an update on the further returns of supporters – including scheduled pilot events – in due course.
Dave Evans : Posted 10th September 2020
For the LATEST COVID-19 CLUB & FA GUIDANCE plus any other related information, please visit the separate new page COVID LATEST NEWS - see menu bar or click HERE.
LATEST UPDATE from OYFL and Mark Toal (Chairman) 1/1/21
FROM Rob Roslyn - Secretary of the OYFL - sent to ALL CUB Secretaries to pass on to Managers
Dear all,
As you will know, the Oxfordshire Youth Football League is now completely in Tier 4, though this is split across several Tier areas which means that teams cannot travel from one area to another, and nor can referees. In addition, under Tier 4 restrictions, teams in the U21 divisions cannot play nor train (unless all their players are under 18) as they are classed as “open age” i.e. adult. This means that more than 10% of the League cannot play fixtures, and this will affect the other teams in their divisions whilst the restrictions are in place.
In addition, we have had numerous clubs express their concerns about playing and travelling under Tier 4 restrictions, particularly with a new, more contagious COVID variant out there, and whilst school return has been delayed for many older children.
Therefore the League Committee has decided that, with immediate effect, all fixtures across the League are suspended until further notice.
This was not a decision we have taken lightly and it has been taken in order to provide clarity to everyone involved, and also to safeguard everyone at a time of increased risk and uncertainty. We appreciate that this decision may be welcomed by some and not by others, but please rest assured it has been taken with everyone’s best interests in mind.
We will review this decision after the next Government review of the tier restrictions, which is due on 14th January.
We understand that the Oxfordshire FA is seeking clarification on the question of whether teams can train if matches are not taking place and we will forward that information once it is received.
Some teams may have been arranging friendlies over the coming weeks. We have no jurisdiction over these but would recommend clubs review whether these should go ahead.
We will be in touch again later in January, and in the meantime stay safe and Happy New Year.
With best wishes.
Rob
FROM Mark Toal - Chairman of Bluebirds FC
Hi All,
Happy New Year to you! Hope you have all had good Christmases, under the circumstances.
With thanks to Karen for forwarding, please see the ABOVE from the League. Grateful if managers could highlight to parents that fixtures are regrettably suspended until further notice. This should not be a surprise to anyone.
Given the advice below, and public health advice generally in this phase of the pandemic (also noting cases of covid in the village), we cannot okay friendlies either.
I also note below that the League will be providing further advice about training. Until that advice comes through, we cannot okay training either. This might seem harsh but I think that as a Club, we need to take a precautionary approach, given the dire covid situation generally at this time.
I have not yet seen anything official come through from the Girls League, but the above advice should apply to all Bluebirds teams for the time being, until official advice changes.
Sorry I can’t provide more upbeat news at the moment. Will do in future, but not quite sure when!
Best wishes,
Mark
Dave Evans : posted Friday 1st January 2021
__________________________________________________________________________
GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL (MATCHES & TRAINING)
CAN RESUME ON WEDNESDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2020
Following Parliament's vote this afternoon (1/12/2020), Grassroots Football Training & Matches can now resume from tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd December).
However, please note that ALL FA Guidelines & Advice that was issued prior to the last 4 weeks lockdown regarding Format/Organisation/Procedures/Social distancing/Test & Trace/etc. for BOTH TRAINING & MATCHES is STILL VALID and should be followed.
Please scroll down for the FA guidance/information/links.
Dave Evans : posted Tuesday 1st December 2020
Communication from the FA
The UK Government has confirmed that organised sports, which include Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS], Tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP] and outdoor grassroots football, can continue as an exemption to its latest planned measures in response to Covid-19.
Organised football activity is currently permitted at these levels but it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19 and respective bespoke guidelines from The Football Association [The FA].
Re-starting the game at these levels has been a significant challenge for everyone involved and we must acknowledge the hard work, passion and commitment of the football family. However, it is vital that we all adhere to these guidelines and ensure it can continue in a safe and secure way.
As part of this exemption, The FA can also clarify that clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP remain permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators if they follow the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19and The FA’s guidelines for the NLS or WFP.
Clubs in the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, Tiers 5-7 of the WFP and outdoor grassroots football also remain permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators but they too must adhere to the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19 and The FA guidelines for outdoor grassroots football.
Supporters are the life force of our national sport and The FA hopes to see them return in greater numbers across the country as soon as it is safe and possible. However, we must continue to work together and play our part by following all the relevant guidelines if this is to become a reality.
The FA remains in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, leagues and competitions and will provide an update on the further returns of supporters – including scheduled pilot events – in due course.
Dave Evans : Posted 10th September 2020
For Managers Reference :
Our Berks & Bucks FA Affiliation Number for this season (20/21) is : W-B&B3386
Our Berks & Bucks FA Affiliation Number for this season (20/21) is : W-B&B3386
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FINALISED PLANS & DIVISIONS for
ALL OYFL AGE GROUPS for the NEW SEASON (except Girls' Teams)
(NB: Oxford Mail are no longer sponsoring the league so the League's name has been changed to the OXFORD YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - OYFL)
League/Divisions/Teams gave been UPDATED on TEAM PAGES for all age groups except for the GIRLS TEAMS - awaiting info.
NB: The GIRLS LEAGUES/DIVISIONS are still in the process of being finalised.
Click HERE for OYFL plans.
Posted 18th July 2020. : Updated 20th July 2020
Karen Silkstone/Dave Evans
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LATEST FA GUIDELINES FOR THE RETURN OF
OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
Issued by the FA on Saturday 18 Jul 2020
Practical guidance for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, leagues, parents/carers and facility providers undertaking outdoor competitive grassroots football activity in England.
We can confirm that the UK Government approved our plan for the return of outdoor competitive grassroots football late last night, Friday 17 July 2020.
As a result, the grassroots football community now has the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season.
We've been working hard over recent weeks to prepare guidelines for the safe return of grassroots football and, following Government approval, these can now be published.
Football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19.
We would strongly recommend a phased return to competitive football activity as follows:
• Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;
• From August – Competitive matches to begin, for example pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions;
• From September – Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence.
Clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/carers, spectators and football facility providers should read our full guidelines, which are accessible below, in addition to thelatest Government guidance on COVID-19.
A return to competitive football should only happen once clubs and facility providers have completed the necessary risk assessments and comprehensive plans are in place.
A summary of key points to consider from our guidelines are listed for ease below:
• Everyone should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every training session or match. If you are symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection you must not participate or attend;
• Clubs and facility providers should ensure that their facility is compliant with current Government legislation and guidance related to COVID-19;
• Competitive training is now permitted, with groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches;
• Competitive match play is permitted, with social distancing in place before and after the match, and in any breaks in play;
• Players and officials should sanitise hands before and after a game as well as scheduled breaks throughout a game or training session;
• Ball handling should be kept to a minimum with most contact via a boot and the ball disinfected in breaks of play;
• Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training;
• Goal celebrations should be avoided;
• Equipment should not be shared, and goalkeepers should ensure they disinfect their gloves regularly in breaks in training or matches and thoroughly afterwards. Where possible, coaches should only handle equipment in training;
• Where possible, players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home. Use of changing and shower facilities must follow government advice on the use of indoor facilities;
• Participants should follow best practice for travel including minimising use of public transport and walking or cycling if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle
• Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace;
• Clubs should ensure they are affiliated with their County Football Association.
Separate guidance has been developed for clubs with teams competing in the men’s National League System (NLS) and the Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6.
This will support these clubs on the safe return of paying spectators and also the applicability of the guidance to facilities under Ground Grading conditions, to ensure the safe return of competitive matches.
Please note that at this stage, indoor football and Futsal is not permitted. We will look to work with indoor facility providers to develop appropriate guidance for indoor formats as soon as possible.
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: “We're delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for competitive grassroots football to return. The past few months have been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, and today’s news will be welcomed by the grassroots football community all over the country.
“Now that we are able to look ahead to the new season, it’s crucial that we continue to do all we can to follow safety measures, both as advised by the government and specifically for football.
“I would encourage anyone returning to competitive grassroots football to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommended approach to phasing football back in. I would also like to thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again.”
The full guidance document can be downloaded below, along with a short summary for all those involved in restarting activity.
You can also read our FAQs document around this.
USEFUL RESOURCES
- Detailed Covid-19 guidance on re-starting competitive grassroots football 1MB (PDF)
- Return of Outdoor Competitive Grassroots Football FAQs 824KB (PDF)
- Summary of Covid-19 guidance on re-starting competitive grassroots football 150.9KB (PDF)
- Outdoor football facilities - Covid-19 guidance on re-starting competitive grassroots football 1.4MB (PDF)
- Covid-19 risk assessment guidance and template 2.4MB (PDF)
- Clubs and coaches - Covid-19 first aid guidance for returning to competitive grassroots football 1.6MB (PDF)
- NLS pyramid guidance 1.6MB (PDF)
- Womens Football Pyramid Club Guidance - Covid-19 Return to Outdoor Football 1.3MB (PDF)
Posted 18th July 2020
Dave Evans
__________________________________________________________________________
The NEW MEMBERSHIP ENROLMENT FORM for the coming season 2020/21is now available to download (both pdf & word)
by clicking below.
Message from our chairman:
Dear Bluebirds Community,
As is often said these days, we live in challenging times. It is, however, great to see a number of our teams training again after several months of lockdown and I am sure that you and your players are looking forward to a new season when we will see the return of competitive football for Cholsey Bluebirds FC. Thank you so much for all your support over this season and I hope to see that support continue when the 2020/21 season kicks off.
The Oxfordshire Youth Football League are planning to start fixtures in the new season from 12th/13thSeptember. This is obviously subject to further guidance from the FA and ultimately, from the Government, about COVID-19 and public health. Your managers will confirm the situation with you closer to the time, in early September.
In the meantime, please see the 2020/21 Membership form attached. Grateful if you could complete and return this form to the Manager of your team and make the relevant payment as soon as you are able. You will note that the Club has had to slightly increase our enrolment fee. The reason for this is because of a range of increasing costs for the Club as we enter the new season, both in terms of day-to-day costs and due to a significant capital investment we will make this year, as we intend to replace the floodlights on our training pitch. I hope you can understand this and see that when we look at the fees charged by many youth football Clubs in our region, Cholsey Bluebirds provides fantastic value for money.
I hope that you and your families stay safe and keep well over the rest of Summer and I look forward to standing with you, at the respect line, cheering on our fantastic players in the new season!
Best wishes,
Mark Toal
7th July 2020
Cholsey Bluebirds MEMBERSHIP FORM 2020-21 pdf
Cholsey Bluebirds MEMBERSHIP FORM 2020-21 word
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PROPOSED PLANS & DIVISIONS for
ALL OYFL AGE GROUPS for the NEW SEASON
(NB: Oxford Mail are no longer sponsoring the league)
This will be updated when finalised before the end of July.
Click HERE for plans.
NB: The GIRLS LEAGUES/DIVISIONS are still in the process of being finalised.
Posted 6th July 2020
Karen Silkstone/Dave Evans
ALL OYFL AGE GROUPS for the NEW SEASON
(NB: Oxford Mail are no longer sponsoring the league)
This will be updated when finalised before the end of July.
Click HERE for plans.
NB: The GIRLS LEAGUES/DIVISIONS are still in the process of being finalised.
Posted 6th July 2020
Karen Silkstone/Dave Evans
__________________________________________________________________________
CRC NEW GUIDANCE for
MANAGERS, ASSISTANT MANAGERS, COACHES & OFFICERS
Please find the process for submitting DBS checks by clicking HERE. All new coaches etc will need to ensure they complete this. Once you've submitted online, please get in contact with me so that I can verify your documents.
Thanks
Lou
07423 579308
Posted 6th July 2020
Louise McAlister/Dave Evans
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Very IMPORTANT
U15s UPDATE
My assistant Baz and I have made the difficult decision to fold the team for next season which breaks my heart after 17 years managing CBFC. Most of the team will be staying together with new U15 AFC Brightwell squad.
I tried persuading the coaches to come to Cholsey and take over from us but they were keen to make a new start with Brightwell.
I would like to continue being on the committee and will continue with all kit and equipment orders , chef for quiz night and general tournament activities if voted in.
Posted 6th July 2020
Dave Miners
U15s UPDATE
My assistant Baz and I have made the difficult decision to fold the team for next season which breaks my heart after 17 years managing CBFC. Most of the team will be staying together with new U15 AFC Brightwell squad.
I tried persuading the coaches to come to Cholsey and take over from us but they were keen to make a new start with Brightwell.
I would like to continue being on the committee and will continue with all kit and equipment orders , chef for quiz night and general tournament activities if voted in.
Posted 6th July 2020
Dave Miners
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E-MAIL from the OMYL SECRETARY sent to ALL Club managers & Officials regarding NEXT SEASON - for reference
Hi Everybody,
Its been a few months and I hope everybody is safe and well.
Football was temporarily suspended by the Government and the FA, and the season was decided to be null and void. All results from last season have been noted and recorded but there will be no final tables. This is inline with most amateur and youth football in the country.
We are planning to play the Cup Semi Finals & Finals as soon as the restrictions are relaxed and further details will follow in due course.
I am currently planning the format for the new season and will take into account that we may not start on the usual weekend. We would usually start the season on 5th & 6th September, but this may be delayed for a number off reasons and we will have to take this into account when we form the new divisions. We may need to make some of them smaller than last season to be able to get the games into the timetable.
I will base the divisions on the results from the Autumn & Winter Divisions from last season. Usually we have automatic promotion and relegation of 2 teams from each division, but this time around we will need to consider this very carefully. It is important that teams play in the correct division for their ability to ensure competitive games.
The AGM is taking place on 1st July and I hope to have the divisions ready by then. But we still have a number of Clubs who haven't entered for the season and this information may therefore be delayed.
Paul Lyon.
League Fixture Secretary
NB: Bluebirds have already entered their teams.
Posted 17th June 2020
Dave Evans
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URGENT
UNDER 15s & UNDER 10s BLUES
NEED SOME NEW PLAYERS
With a number of last season's squad unable to re-join this year, we are desperately looking for new players in order for the team to continue - the only criteria is "enthusiasm" and a "willingness to learn".
CONTACT :
U15s Dave Miners : dm1967@sky.com
U10s Blues Adrian Lee : adrianlee2811@gmail.com
Dave Evans
Posted 11th June 2020 : updated 23rd June 2020
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VERY IMPORTANT
GUIDANCE & RESTRICTIONS FROM THE FA & Club covering
TRAINING for Coaches, Payers & Parents/Carers
The above Club Guidance can be downloaded HERE (pdf)
Individual TEAM MANGERS will contact their team regarding when they plan to start training and the format they will adopt in light of the FA Guidance http://www.thefa.com/news/2020/jun/01/grassroots-football-covid-19-guidance-update-010620
and any further Club additions/advice as stated above.
The Club are grateful to Pete McAlister (U16s manager) for initially drafting the above and amending following discussion involving all managers and officials of the Club.
LINKS to OTHER FA GUIDANCE for :
PLAYERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_4&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDg%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
COACHES :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_3&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDc%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
PARENTS/SUPPORTERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_5&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDk%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
Posted by Dave Evans on behalf of the Club Committee : Tuesday 9th June 2020
Individual TEAM MANGERS will contact their team regarding when they plan to start training and the format they will adopt in light of the FA Guidance http://www.thefa.com/news/2020/jun/01/grassroots-football-covid-19-guidance-update-010620
and any further Club additions/advice as stated above.
The Club are grateful to Pete McAlister (U16s manager) for initially drafting the above and amending following discussion involving all managers and officials of the Club.
LINKS to OTHER FA GUIDANCE for :
PLAYERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_4&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDg%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
COACHES :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_3&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDc%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
PARENTS/SUPPORTERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_5&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDk%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
Posted by Dave Evans on behalf of the Club Committee : Tuesday 9th June 2020
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