Berks & Bucks FA

An update from our CEO

Liz Verrall provides information around Affiliation and County Cups for the 2020/21 season
An update from our CEO 

*Statement dated 16.05.20 - for the latest/new announcements from Berks & Bucks FA please click here.*

As COVID-19 continues to present challenges to every part of our daily lives, I hope you and your families are keeping well.

Since my last update, we have focussed our resources around supporting clubs and leagues to end the 2019/20 season and to prepare football, and the business, for the 2020/21 season.

With the enormous impact that this virus has had on grassroots football I am pleased to announce today that for the 2020/21 season club affiliation to the Berks & Bucks FA will be free.

As well as free affiliation, clubs will also receive; free public Liability insurance via Bluefin, and free team registration. There will still be an expectation that personal accident insurance will be purchased by the club.

I can also confirm today that we have taken the decision to postpone the window for affiliation to the 1st August 2020.

Previously obtaining affiliation has signalled the commencement of the new season and we are not prepared to risk the safety of football participants by opening the window earlier. What is clear now, is that no group face-to-face activities are permissible.

Should we get clearance to commence the season earlier, we will, of course, be ready and able to open the portal on the FA Whole Game System.

We must also be prepared that the season start may be affected by COVID-19 and, as such, the Board of Directors have confirmed that in the event of the Berks & Bucks FA County Cup Competition programme not commencing by 1st November, then the competitions will not start.

While we are saddened at the thought of potentially not running our County Cup programme next year, we are mindful that leagues and clubs could be under additional pressure to fulfil a fixture programme in a more condensed period.  We, of course, remain hopeful that football will restart as normal.

What we do know is that the determination and commitment from those involved in grassroots football across Berks & Bucks will help the sport to bounce back when it is safe and ready to do so.

At every stage, the County FA and the FA will follow the guidelines set out by the Government to ensure that the football community is safe.

Liz Verrall
CEO, Berks & Bucks FA


For all Berks & Bucks FA and FA updates related to the coronavirus, please visit our dedicated news page.

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