As restriction begin to be lifted for football clubs across the country, Vale of Leithen are preparing for the start of the new football season.

Following the Scottish Government’s announcement that they are moving to Phase 3 of the easing of lockdown restrictions, the Scottish FA have approved a plan to partially lift training restrictions. Clubs can now start small group, socially distanced, outdoor training.

It is hoped that full contact training will begin later in August, followed by games behind closed doors. Planning is underway for the league to start in October, and it is hoped spectators will be allowed into grounds, albeit under limited capacity to ensure social distancing.

League representatives have been working behind the scenes to prepare clubs for the restart. Vale Vice Chairman, John Anderson, has been working on the Lowland League Restart Group and the Joint 4 Leagues Restart Group, covering the Lowland, East, South and West leagues. He said: “It is not just a case of the SFA and Scottish Government giving the green light to restart. A lot of work has been going to on to ensure training and matchday protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of all players, coaches and, hopefully, spectators. This will include additional measures being put in place at Victoria Park to ensure social distancing and hygiene compliance. We all want football to restart, but we must ensure it is done in a manner that ensures everyone involved is safe”.