Clubs urged to speak with Local Authorities about what can open when football returns

Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League side Knaphill have urged fellow clubs to speak with their Local Authority about what can open when football returns to Redding Way at the end of Lockdown 2.

The Knappers, who play at step 5 in the English Football Pyramid, have been given permission by Woking Borough Council to continue to open their outside tea bar for home fixtures.

Writing on social media, a statement said: “We have been granted permission by Woking Borough Council to continue to open our outside tea bar at our homes games. Thank you to WBC for their help and guidance. We would suggest all Combined Counties League clubs seek local authority advice on these matters.”

Knaphill will resume their season on Saturday at home to Frimley Green after the Combined Counties opted for a quick return. The Uhlsport Hellenic League is not due to restart until Saturday 12th December, though several clubs including Binfield are in FA Vase action on the 5th.

BBC Three Counties reporter Ollie Bayliss had earlier revealed the FA had suggested clubs speak to their Local Authority about continuing to sell food and drink but there is, as yet, no official guidance for clubs and it’s unclear whether this applies to teams in Tier 3 areas like Slough.