1. Statement by the First Minister: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:18 pm on 26 August 2020.

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Photo of Laura Anne Jones Laura Anne Jones Conservative 2:18, 26 August 2020

First Minister, I just wonder if you can explain something to me, please. Given that our premier football leagues here in Wales have now been given dates to go back and start matches, which are of course welcome, could you please let us know the dates the rest of football, grass-roots football—we're talking about our lower leagues and children's football—can return to play matches and start their seasons too, please?

I cannot understand the logic that this hasn't been announced yet when our premier leagues—and our lower leagues are all part-time players, and, of course, our children are going back to school and yet can't play outdoor matches. When you consider that it's all kicking off soon over the border in England, I just don't understand it. It's paramount now that we give the green light as soon as possible to people being able to start playing football matches, even before the season dates are announced, so they can prepare and plan and get ready for the season ahead. And can I also make a plea, First Minister, that it's not done the day before—that they're not given a day's notice? As a former secretary of a junior football club, it takes a lot of time to plan for the seasons ahead. Therefore, can you give, with plenty of notice, as soon as possible, the green light for these matches to kick off here, please? Thank you.