Joy for Carluke Rovers youth academy players and Gazette after U-turn by council

That change came just four hours after we informed South Lanarkshire Council on Monday about a Carluke youth football boss’s frustration that – unlike other tier-four regions across Scotland – clubs here were banned from doing non-contact training during the three-week tightening of covid-19 restrictions.

Carluke Rovers youth academy 2005 boss Paul Skelton, whose team is now free to train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after all, told us: “I feel this is a small victory for youth football.

“I think the decision had been rushed last week rather than taking into account the procedures we go through to make everyone safe, so thanks to the Gazette for letting us share the problems that we go through.

“The council did say last week that if so much of youth football got onto them, they would reconsider their decision. I didn’t actually think it would be this quick.”

Prior to Monday’s U-turn, Paul had been mystified as to why the council had banned non-contact training, contradicting Scottish Football Association guidance stating that outdoor non-contact training for all age groups is permitted.

After our inquiry relaying Paul’s concerns, we got a reply on behalf of David Booth, general manager of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, saying: “Starting from Wednesday this week, we will offer limited capacity for those clubs and teams that wish to provide players with non-contact training opportunities for the duration of level-four restrictions.

“Due to the current restrictions and our reduced service, this capacity will be offered only Monday to Thursday typically between 5pm to 8pm, though John Cumming will be later, at the following synthetic grass facilities – John Cumming Stadium in Carluke; Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds, outdoor only; Stonelaw Sport Centre; Fernhill Lifestyles; the Jock Stein Centre in Hamilton and John Wright Sports Centre in East Kilbride.

“All customers are being asked to follow Scottish Government and governing body guidance throughout and have been reminded that travel restrictions remain in place. Any contravention of the guidance should result in the booking being withdrawn immediately.”

Carluke Rovers Youth Academy 2005s are due to resume play in their Central Scotland League on Saturday, December 19, when they have a home fixture against Cowie.