Two more players have left Kidsgrove Athletic this summer, with both players departing for a Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit.
Earlier this month the club announced thatRichard Duffy had leftthe Staffordshire side to join up with former Grove boss Ryan Austin at Congleton Town.
Now two more defenders have exited Hollinwood Road with Alex Morris and James Butler leaving for Mickleover Sports.
A spokesperson for Kidsgrove Athletic said: “The former Stoke City youngster (Butler) has expressed a desire to play at a higher level and, we wish them both all the best in their future footballing careers.
“Manager Scott Dundas has reiterated that players will come and go, although, alongside his management team they are busy developing the squad for the forthcoming season.
“However, at this point, they will not be releasing any news on any new players until they have signed whenever that will be.”
There will be no American Football season in Britain this year after the British American Football Association (BAFA) declared the 2020 season is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This means county outfits that Tamworth Phoenix and Staffordshire Surge will not be throwing a competitive ball for the rest of the year.
The sports authority had previously considered moving the start of the season to mid-July but having assessed feedback from teams and coaches, and following the latest update from the UK Government, it said it was clear that it was “simply not in a position to make this go-ahead decision for a mid-July start to the season.”
However, flag football is not included in this. BAFA said that because the form of this type of American Football requires less contact and has “fewer logistical challenges” it is hoping to potentially start adult games in August while youth team fixtures would start in September.
As for the full-contact game, the sports body said that “a majority” of members will receive a partial refund of their membership fees for the 2019/20 season within the next few weeks.
In a statement, BAFA Chief Executive Pete Ackerley addressed the British American Football community, saying: “Having listened to your views, assessed the latest advice from the Government and reviewed all the options on the table, we have made a decision to cancel the contact season across adult, junior and youth.
Staffordshire Surge and Tamworth Phoenix will not take to the field in a competitive game for the rest of 2020
“We have tried to give it every chance we can, but once logistical challenges such as transport, venues and medical cover are also factored in, it’s become clear that it’s just not feasible.
“Teams have said they would be keen to potentially play friendly fixtures later in the year, if this is possible, and this is something we will absolutely support if public health guidelines allow for it.
“I would like to end by saying that all of the decisions outlined above have been taken with your best interests and safety at heart, and after listening closely to your views.
This is an extremely difficult situation for us all, and it goes without saying that BAFA passionately wants to see football played, and we will do everything we can to help organise practices, friendlies and flag tournaments as and when this is possible.
“We are extending the season until the end of October to provide as much opportunity as we can to allow some playing action to take place. I will keep you informed with developments as they progress.
“We must focus on protecting the long-term future and integrity of our sport so that we can successfully overcome this unprecedented period. As we continue to do this, I hugely appreciate your patience, understanding and passion – and I urge everyone to stay safe, remain healthy, and support each other and our mental health.”
Elite sportsmen and sportswomen are allowed to refuse to go back into work and training if they do not feel safe, the Government has said.
This means football players at Stoke City, Burton Albion and Port Vale and other professional athletes in Staffordshire can “opt out” of returning to their respective clubs and training facilities if they feel like it would compromise their health and wellbeing.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Public Health England, the Department of Heath and Social Care and UK Sport say they have been working with major sports governing bodies to plan the resumption of professional sports training and competition.
The Government released news about a two-step plan to phase in the return of professional sport on Wednesday; step one consisting of individual training or groups of individual training, and step two involving ‘social clustering’ where small groups are able to attain closer contact.
Step one can come into effect immediately. This scheme is advisory-only and is not a replacement of the Government’s social distancing regulations.
This plan also states that each sports club should have a designated Covid-19 officer who would be expected to have oversight on all things coronavirus-related, including the return to training and medical risk aspects.
Clubs could eventually be training in ‘cluster groups’
Additionally, clubs should prepare a risk assessment and a risk mitigation plan which should include factors such a implementing regular Covid-19 screening, outlining clear club protocols, and ensuring that training minimises the risk of injury and illness.
If sports players are not happy with the level of safety at the club/venue following a one-to-one check-in regarding their back-to-work plan, they can opt-out with no repercussions.
Furthermore, athletes would have to ‘opt-in’ if they wanted to return to training.
A spokesperson for the Government said: “All athletes and support staff should be engaged in a one-to-one check-in prior to resumption of organised Step One training to ensure they have understood the sport specific risks and mitigations, training site protocols in place, are physically and mentally well enough to engage in return to training and have actively ‘opted in’ to engaging in Step One return to training.
“It will be for individual sports to agree with their athletes any conditions for their return. All athletes and staff should also be clear on their route to ‘opt out’ of the organised training environment under Step One conditions at any time without unreasonable steps being taken against them consequently.
“All athletes and staff should adhere to Government rules on social distancing when travelling to and from the training venue and should not come within the two-metre social distancing range of anyone outside their household whilst travelling to and from training.”
The Government also gave the green light for recreational open water sports and golf to resume this week.
Athletics tracks across Staffordshire can now open once again, as long as they meet social distancing regulations, after the Government released a document outlining which sports in England can begin to get back to action again.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said that the re-opening of the tracks is up to the discretion of the facility and that if they wish to do so, that it is certain that coronavirus safety guidelines can be met.
The document read: “Athletics tracks can re-open, but this is at the discretion of the facility and must be done in a way that adheres to guidance on social distancing.”
Athletics tracks can re-open as long as coronavirus safety guidelines are met
Horse riding can also recommence, with a spokesperson for the DCMS stating: “You can ride a horse, providing that you are alone, with members of your own household or alone with one other person from a different household.
“You should observe social distancing where possible when encountering other riders or the public.
“You are allowed to visit venues like a riding club to exercise. You should only do so alone, with members of your household or with one person from another household as long as you can remain two metres away from them. You should check ahead to ensure that these facilities are open and prepared to receive visitors.”
Additionally, fishing can resume if Government advice is followed, although tackle shops will remained closed.
A document published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport outlined while open waterway sports can return too, outdoor swimming pools – as well as outdoor gyms and playgrounds – would remain closed.
Further to this, certain activities that would lead to social distancing rules being broken, such as a double rowing boat, will not be able to take place as it is not possible to maintain a two-metre distance – unless it is with people from the same household.
The document stated: “All forms of water sports practised on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority) are allowed.
Kayakers can also take the water once again
“All of these activities must only be undertaken alone, with members of your household or, providing you are following social distancing guidelines, with just one other person from outside your household.
“For example it would not be possible to form a double or Canadienne canoe, kayak or rowing boat with someone outside your household as it would not be possible to abide by the social distancing guidelines.
“Outdoor gyms, playgrounds and outdoor swimming pools will remain closed due to the higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces.”
The document also went on to outline that indoor facilities, apart from toilets and through-ways, should remain shut.
Following Sunday’s announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has given the go-ahead for outdoor tennis courts to re-open in England, but with strict guidelines.
This news comes after England Golf allowed courses to open once again today as per the new Government guidance on Covid-19 on outside exercise, with basketball courts and bowling greens also allowed to open once more.
The LTA has issued strict guidelines for tennis venues, coaches and players to abide by.
Within these guides, it states that indoor and ‘bubble’ courts should remain closed and that players should was their hands for 20 seconds before leaving their home for the court.
However, it says that one-to-one coaching sessions can resume and that, where facilities allow, the booking of a court should be done in advance and paid online.
No more than two people are allowed on the same court (unless they are from the same household) and venues should ensure that hand sanitisers or wipes are available to sue at the entrance and exit points, with signage on guidelines required to be displayed clearly.
Players are advised to bring their own equipment with the distribution communal racquets and balls to be avoided as much as possible, while coaching equipment should be also be limited and wiped down after use.
Players are advised to bring their own equipment to the court
The LTA says club committee members should oversee the implementing and maintenance of safety measures, adding that venues ought to take time to ensure they can re-open safely rather than rushing.
All activity, it said, should be consistent with government advice regarding health, travel, hygiene and social distancing.
A spokesperson for the LTA said: “We know how important it is for people to be active, and the particular role tennis can have in the physical and mental wellbeing of those that play it.
“By its very nature, tennis is an activity whereby close person to person contact can be avoided, with the Government saying tennis is a good example of an activity that can be undertaken in a way compliant with social distancing restrictions.
“Based on our discussions with Government and following the adjustment of lockdown restrictions, the LTA has developed a set of practical guidelines for venues, coaches and players to follow so that tennis can be played in England during lockdown, where the local environment allows.”
For the full set of rules, regulation and guidance from the LTA for coaches, players and venues, click here.
The World Rugby Council has decided to amend one of the sport’s laws of the game, explaining that this has been changed on safety grounds.
The sporting authority has made a change to Law 8 which formerly allowed for a try to be scored against post protectors – the padding around the base of the goalposts to prevent players colliding with them and potentially becoming seriously injured.
Now, this rule has been changed and an attacking player can no longer score a try against a protector after there had been cases where defending teams had lifted or moved the equipment and therefore “increasing the risk of injury.”
Further to this, the Council also said that teams were finding it harder to defend their try line due to the post protector increasing in size and shape for safety reasons, coupled with the fact that defending players are “legally obliged to stay behind the goal-line.”
This ruling comes into effect on July 1.
This means that tries can only be scored by grounding the ball on or over the opposition goal line.
A spokesperson for World Rugby said: “World Rugby has announced that, with immediate effect, it will no longer be possible to score a try by grounding the ball against the post protector.
Scoring via the post protectors is no longer allowed
“The minor amendment to Law 8 was approved by the World Rugby Council during its special meeting held via teleconference on Tuesday and follows a recommendation by the international federation’s Rugby Committee and specialist Laws Review Group.
“With defending players currently legally obliged to stay behind the goal-line and post-protector shape and size increasing for welfare reasons, it is increasingly difficult for teams to legally defend this area.
“In some extreme cases, post protectors have been lifted or moved by defending teams, leaving the posts exposed and therefore increasing the risk of injury.”
Law 8.2(a) will now read: ‘The post protector is no longer an extension of the goal-line and therefore a try is scored when the attacking player is first to ground the ball in the opponents’ in-goal.’
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “World Rugby’s mission is to make the game as simple, safe and enjoyable to play as possible. This law amendment reflects that mission.
“By stipulating that an attacking team can no longer score against the post protector and therefore must ground the ball in-goal, this gives defending teams a fair chance of preventing a try from being scored.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has commented on recreational cricket following the Prime Minister’s announcement last Sunday evening.
The regular cricket season, which was due to start in April, was suspended in light of the coronavirus pandemic meaning not a single competitive ball has been bowled in Staffordshire yet.
The ECB has already announced that no professional cricket will take place until at least July 1.
A 50-page document was released the day after PM Boris Johnson’s speech, on Monday, which stated that from Wednesday, May 13 for those living in England all outdoor sport must either be done alone, with members from the same household or with one other person from outside your household while attaining a two-metre distance at all times.
Further to this, the document stated that tennis and basketball courts, golf courses and bowling greens in the country can all re-open so long as social distancing guidelines are adhered to.
It is likely that cricket matchdays will look a little different when they finally return
Now, cricket’s national sporting body has released a statement regarding recreation matches.
It read: “We are aware that the UK Government has announced changes that affect sport and physical activity in England, which are due to come into effect on Wednesday, May 13.
“We are expecting to receive further clarity from the UK government in the coming days and in turn we will share greater detail and guidelines with the game as soon as we are able.
“Our priority is to support our colleagues and clubs across the game to deliver elements of outdoor cricket in a responsible way that does not compromise safety.
“We completely understand the level of patience that recreational players have had to demonstrate so far, and know that most will be desperate to return to the nets to practice. We ask for a little more time to plan out the best way to deliver this opportunity to everyone as safely as possible.
“The health and wellbeing of everyone in cricket remains our number one priority. We will share further updates towards the end of the week along with a support plan for our clubs to follow.”
Stone Rugby Club has unveiled its senior team manager for the 2020/21 campaign.
Former British Army rugby manager Nick Dermott steps into the role with the club stating that he is “possibly the biggest signing we’ve made in terms of getting ready for league rugby.”
He has also worked with Staffordshire Under-18’s and Midlands Under-18’s as well as working with England’s youth rugby sides.
Dermott will now oversee both the men’s and the women’s sides – something Stone says it is “thrilled” about.
Stone Head of Senior Rugby Tom Hughes said: “Nick is as important as any player in terms of taking us to the next level.”
Dermot said he was “Looking forward to being part of an exciting set up with some outstanding people on and off the pitch.”
Stone has already announced a plethora of talented signings this off-season
Meanwhile, the club welcomes the versatile Andy Alcock, whose day job is being a stunt double, appearing in several films.
He can either play in full-back, wing or centre with a spokesperson for Stone Rugby Club explaining that he is a “physical player” and that “ he will bring plenty to the side off and on the pitch.”
The club also welcome fly-half Ben Clayton and full-back Charlie Laidlaw.
For the women’s Roses side, scrum-half Aimée Peters has signed for the 2020/21 season, brining nine years of rugby experience which includes her performances for Staffordshire’s county team.
Zoe Clarke – a pink collar boxing champion – and Katie Roberts, who has been with the Roses since its inception, both commit themselves to Stone for the new campaign.
Southern League Central Premier outfit Hednesford Town has unveiled its new home, away and goalkeeper strips for the 2020/21 season, subject to “minor amendments.”
The home shirt pays tribute to the clubs nickname ‘The Pitmen’ depicting a miner with a pickaxe in homage to the town’s history of coal mining.
As always, the top is in white with the shorts and socks in black.
“(The) Pitman (was) added as a celebration of who we are.”
Next year’s edition will brand the logo of design consultants RACE – the company owned by Mr Jones.
The sleeve of the shirts will feature the logo of Lionheart Security, which is owned by Mr Dando.
The jerseys are also set to display ‘HTFC 1880’ as a tribute to the club’s 140th anniversary year.
Next campaign’s away strip will be entirely lime-green-coloured with a touch of grey on the shoulders.
Picture courtesy of Hednesford Town Football Club
Finally, the goalkeepers kit will consist of an all-blue outfit with Marcon being the club’s kit supplier for another season.
Mr Jones told Sport in Staffs that all the kits are “subject to minor amendments prior to official release” but that “we don’t expect too many changes, however.”
The announcement has received lots of positive feedback from fans.
Picture courtesy of Hednesford Town Football Club
One supporter commented: “Yes loving the green… Cannock chase etc, always wanted green in our kits.
“Liking the sleeve sponsor. Liking the new shirt sponsor. Liking the pitman/miner. But me personally would of liked are traditional colours for the season and a historical badge/crest that’s all.”
Another said: “Love the goalkeeper one” with a fellow fan agreeing, stating: “Nice – love the blue one.”
One club follower added: “Unsure on the green trim on home kit, think red would have been better. Like the inclusion of the ‘pit man’ though showing the heritage of the area and the club.
“Just looking forward to my 24th year of watching now to be honest! New era! Can’t wait!”
Another club follower said: “(the) home kit is one of the best I’ve seen from any club.”
WE HAVE MOVED! 