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Boost for young footballers with plans in place to restart Forres Area Soccer Sevens at town's Grant Park in May


By Garry McCartney

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YOUNGSTERS will be able to continue playing organised football as soon as May with the scheduled return of Soccer Sevens after a lengthy lay-off due to coronavirus restrictions.

Forres Soccer Sevens chairman Paul Lynch ahead of the league restart...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Forres Soccer Sevens chairman Paul Lynch ahead of the league restart...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Apart from a brief period last autumn, Forres Area Soccer Sevens has not been in action since the first lockdown started last March.

Chairman Paul Lynch is looking forward to four age groups being back playing at Grant Park, starting Sunday, May 23.

He said: “We did try to start back up last September. It was just work behind the scenes like ordering sanitising stations, wipes, masks, thermometers etc, but the second wave meant we couldn’t go ahead with training and matches.

“It was a real shame that we only played a few times last year, but we are really looking forward to the upcoming season now. We also plan to hopefully extend the it, weather permitting.”

As is the case everywhere at the moment, great efforts are being made to ensure the safety of everyone involved with Soccer Sevens, with plans in place to limit the amount of children in Grant Park at one time.

Lynch said: “To limit large numbers of people gathering and travelling, we will stagger the age groups on playing days.

“The Developmental 4s will kick off at 10am and the Super 5s and Junior 7s at 11.30am, 15 minutes after the 4s finish.

“This will allow us time to change over the kit, balls and goals and for the 4s players to leave and the 5s and 7s players to arrive safely.”

The club provides football for children aged four to 16. The four levels are Development 4s (four to six years old), Super 5s (seven to nine years old), Junior 7s (10 to 12 years old) and Senior 7s (13 to 16 years old).

Paul is still gauging interest in the seniors section to see if there will be the required numbers to go ahead with the season.

Action from the soccer sevens before the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Marc Hindley, Chit Chat PR & Digital.
Action from the soccer sevens before the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Marc Hindley, Chit Chat PR & Digital.

The club is inviting parents and carers to register children via their website at forres-soccer7s.co.uk.

Soccer Sevens’ charitable status means the club is now able to offer free places to children in receipt of free school meals – a big step forward for inclusivity and accessibility.

Lynch said: “We do all we can to provide football to every child and we wouldn’t want someone not to be able play just because of money.

“Parents or carers of children in receipt of free school meals are welcome to contact the club with their proof of the award letter so we can arrange registration.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Soccer Sevens ran annual events such as barbecues, award ceremonies and one-day tournaments.

“Our fundraising has taken a hit over the last year due to the pandemic,” Lynch added.

“Fundraising helps us with the money to run
the club, for new kits,
equipment and now free places.

“We are hoping to arrange events this year if Covid-19 restrictions allow and following government guidelines.”



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