Please see below a statement issued today (03/04/2020) from CEO Kelly Ellis

Dear All,

I want to start by wishing everyone well in these very challenging and uncertain times. I would also like to express my thanks to everyone involved within the grassroots game across Leicestershire & Rutland, as well as your understanding and support during what is an unprecedented time for our football community.

As you are aware, the Government has imposed restrictions on trading and movement, which is having a serious economic impact on businesses.  I understand that clubs and leagues across the County are facing financial pressure and our County FA is not immune from this, in fact our organisation will suffer in the next few months and possibly for longer, unless we take immediate action.

The Leicestershire & Rutland CFA (LRCFA) Board have been meeting on a weekly basis to assess the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for our organisation and football across Leicestershire & Rutland. On Wednesday 1^st April 2020, the Directors agreed to the following;

• Suspension of grassroots football including matches, training and friendlies to continue until further notice (in accordance with advice from The FA)
• All LRCFA events (including cup finals), courses and meetings postponed until further notice (unless meetings can be held virtually)
• LRCFA Head Office at Holmes Park, Whetstone is to remain closed until further notice.

In addition, and with effect from Friday 3^rd April 2020, all LRCFA staff, with the exception of those listed below have been placed on furlough leave, until 31st May 2020:

• Kelly Ellis – CEO / Senior Safeguarding Lead
• Joe Dunmore – Head of Football Services / Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead
• Jamie Clarke – Football Service Lead / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer
• Dawn Ashcroft – Finance Officer
• Sam Deacon – Coach Education Apprentice

Furlough leave is a temporary leave of absence for economic reasons and is designed to save jobs in the long term. Members of staff placed on Furlough leave will not be contactable until the COVID-19 situation changes. Our workforce is supportive of this decision and look forward to returning to work at the earliest possible opportunity.

For all enquiries, please explore our website, www.LeicestershireFA.com or visit www.TheFA.com where you will find the answers to most common questions.

We will be utilising our website and social media channels to communicate further updates on the situation as they occur.

If you have an enquiry that is urgent and cannot be answered through the methods above, please contact us on info@LeicestershireFA.com  If you have a safeguarding enquiry, please email safeguarding@LeicestershireFA.com Please note: these will be the only mailboxes monitored during this period of time.

If you have a serious safeguarding concern in relation to a child or young person, please call the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) for advice.

Clubs and leagues should also be aware that Sport England has launched a new Community Emergency Fund. It is designed to help those that are suffering short-term financial hardship or ceasing of operations due to the impact of the coronavirus. Find out more here

We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused and hope all our grassroots football family stay safe and well during these uncertain times. 

Kelly Ellis

Chief Executive

Leicestershire & Rutland CFA