On Wednesday 6 January 2021, we commenced the latest national lockdown (Tier 5), with the cessation of all grassroots football (training and games) at all ages, save organised outdoor disability groups.
Current Government advice is that the lockdown will be reviewed on 1 February 2021, with a view to a potential relaxation of restrictions after the February school half term. However, this is not confirmed and the lockdown may continue into March, or beyond.
Cullercoats FC Management Team met on Tuesday 5 January 2021, to consider our position in respect of the closure of Links Avenue and all training programmes, Club fees and potential ‘return to training’ plans for the coming weeks.
We acknowledge that there will be no football activities during January and February 2021, which may extend further. To this effect, we intend to reimburse all parents for any financial losses, in terms of monthly fees.
We are aware that the current season may be extended into June/July, or alternatively it could be concluded prematurely. We therefore would ask that parents DO NOT cancel Club fees from this month, so that we can either use these to cover June and July, or offer free months in August and September 2021 (new season).
The set up and management of Club fees is very onerous on Club staff and the income flow is an essential element of the ongoing Club Development Plan, hence the need to prevent cancellation and subsequent need for reinstatement of payments.
If anyone is experiencing hardship, or has financial concerns in the short term, we would ask that you either mention this to your team coach, or contact Gary Stephenson (Club Chairman/Safeguarding Officer) in confidence at [email protected] so we can assist with any reimbursement of fees and/or hardship support via external sources, such as the FA.
We will remain connected with our players through team coaches and Club social media platforms and hope to provide some further support by way of some home programme activities during lockdown.
In the meantime, please stay safe and follow Government guidelines and restrictions to keep EVERYONE safe in these challenging times.
Regards,
Gary Stephenson
Club Chairperson