All grassroots and amateur sports in England have been banned since November 5
The current ban on grassroots sports in England is set to be lifted when the country exits lockdown on December 2.
Prime minister Boris Johnson is set to announce England’s post-lockdown restrictions during an address to the House of Commons later on Monday, with the return of grassroots and amateur sports among them.
There was widespread anger and bewilderment at the decision to ban grassroots outdoor sports as lockdown measures were enacted, especially as schools remained open.
As well as grassroots football, gymnasiums and leisure centres were also closed as a result of restrictions.
Discussing the possible return of grassroots sports, culture secretary Oliver Dowden told BBC Sport on Thursday: “I’m desperate for it to come back.
“I am pretty hopeful and confident as we go back into the tier system. It’s top of the list for us to get it back from 2 December. I know how valuable it is.
“We have to go through a proper process of evaluating the evidence; we have to wait until the final decisions are made.”
Ministers will vote later in the week on measures introduced by Boris Johnson today, which are expected to include the reopening of gyms and shops, as well as the announcement of the reopening of all non-essential shops, and the introduction of four-family bubbles during a short period over Christmas.
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