FA announce non-elite football suspension

The blanket ban will impact clubs playing at step three level and below along with National League system feeder leagues.

Both training and matches will be halted until at least Wednesday, December 2 - when the country is planned to come out of lockdown restrictions.

The decision will not impact the Hawks, though, with the National League South and North divisions and all above that in the English pyramid able to continue with league seasons.

In a statement, the FA said: 'As a result of the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions, and subject to Members of Parliament voting tomorrow (Wednesday) and the publication of bespoke guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), the impact on ‘non-elite’ football in England will include the suspension of the following during this period:• All fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];• All fixtures and training for Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP];• All fixtures and training for the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;• All fixtures and training for The Barclays FA WSL Academy League;• All fixtures and training for FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs;• All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.‘Our aim is to ensure that the 2020-21 season is completed at these levels and will liaise with the relevant leagues in the NLS and WFP and the County Football Associations (CFAs) to provide support and establish appropriate options to do so if required.

‘The UK Government has confirmed that school sport can continue as an exemption during this period.

‘In addition, the UK Government has confirmed that all Emirates FA Cup First Round fixtures will go ahead as planned this weekend.’