Much to peoples disappointment there has been NO change in the guidance from the FA despite the Government signalling a ‘relaxation’ of the social distancing requirements. The government’s own website makes it very clear what the expectations are for all team sports – see the extact below:

Team sports
People who play team sports can now meet to train together and do things like conditioning or fitness sessions but they must be in wholly separate groups of no more than 6 and must remain 2 metres apart at all times. While groups could practice ball skills like passing and kicking, equipment sharing should be kept to a minimum and strong hand hygiene practices should be in place before and after. Physical contact with anyone outside of your household is not permitted, therefore playing of any games (small sided or full) is also not permitted at this time. Avoid meeting in groups of 6 in busy or overcrowded areas, if it is so busy that it is not possible to maintain social distancing at all times.

With the Essex FA stating – ‘Emphasis is placed upon the points that physical contact and matches are not permitted.’

The image used today shows the current FA position.

Despite the ongoing restrictions all our sessions have been fully booked and everyone is enjoying the opportunity to kick a ball, practice, improve their skills and meet up again on a regular basis. Unfortunately we have had our first injury – Chris Conlan slipped in the wet. The Club would stress that, while we are training on grass, that members bring footwear that is appropriate for slippery conditions.

The Club is continueing to monitor The FA for any guideline changes, Waltham Forest council in case of any Score availability changes and GLL for when we can get back to Ive Farm, in fact Len was in contact with them only yesterday and received the following response: ‘Unfortunately, we have not yet set a date for reopening due to following government guidelines regarding Covid-19. Once we are allowed to open and can operate in a safe manor for our customers and staff we will do so.’.

This week we have three birthdays to celebrate: Paulo Ramella, Volney Andrew and Ken Tranquille – Congratulations and a Very Happy Birthday.

Monday night was quiz night again with Graham Manicom in the Quiz Master’s chair. With question categories ranging from the 70s to London, History to True or False and then rounded off with Science/Nature and Game Shows the contestants knowledge was certainly tested. This week we have a new quiz champion in Team Conlan with a massive 52.5 points, Team Weston ran him close in second with 46 points while 41.5 points saw Team Wahlhaus take third spot. Thanks again to Graham Manicom for a fun evening’s entertainment.

Zoom meet-ups are still happening every Friday between 11am and 12 noon. To sign up just pop over to the Zoom Meet-Up Event in the App and RSVP.

There will be NO Pilates this Thursday as our most excellent Pilates trainer, Ruth Tongue, is having a much deserved holiday.

This weeks quotes reflect on disappointment due to expectations of positive change not being met as quickly as hoped for.

“But you know that disappointment is just the action of your brain readjusting itself to reality after discovering things are not the way you thought they were.” – Brad Warner

And

“Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter could be said to remedy anything.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Take care, be safe and see you soon.
Trevor Ridley
PS If you have any news you want to share then please email me at leytonorientwalkingfc@gmail.com

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Image used © Copyright The FA