In line with the recent announcement by the Northern Ireland Executive of a provisional return to grassroots football from April 12, 2021, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has confirmed that the booking of outdoor pitches at all Council facilities will recommence from that date. This in line with guidance issued by the Executive and the sports governing body.

Speaking about the reopening of outdoor pitches, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has presented us with unprecedented challenges over the past year, particularly in the safe operation of our leisure facilities with prevailing guidelines. As we move forward, the importance of looking after our physical and mental health and wellbeing cannot be overstated and the further easing of restrictions has enabled the Council to progress to reopening some of its outdoor sports facilities, albeit with restrictions on who can use them, thereby affording members of clubs the opportunity to get out and get active.

"I welcome this opportunity for residents of the district to return to playing recreational sport and urge all participants to be mindful of following the 'Hands, Face, Space' guidelines in order to protect each other.”

The outdoor pitches can currently only be used for training by affiliated clubs. Approval for competitive football has not yet been granted. The following restrictions are in place with regard to the use of outdoor pitches.

3G pitches and grass pitches

Training can commence in groups of 15 people; this includes coaches and is limited to essential participants only, meaning no spectators present.

Where possible children should be dropped off and picked up or parents/guardians should remain in cars. Changing facilities will not be provided at this stage. Please note competitive and friendly games are not permitted at this point.

The breakdown for numbers permitted on a pitch is as follows:

  • Aged 18 and over - one group of 15 inclusive of coaches.
  • Aged 13-18 - two separate groups of 15 inclusive of coaches.
  • Aged 12 and under - three separate groups of 15 inclusive of coaches.

Please note these numbers cannot be exceeded irrespective of the size of the pitch being used. The protocols outlined in the ‘A Return to the Everyday Game’ document have been updated. Only the sections related to training are active and the guidance in these should be adhered to, such as social distancing and good hand hygiene.

The bowling greens at Omagh Leisure Complex and Celtic Park, Enniskillen and the running track at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and Omagh Leisure Complex will also reopen for use from Monday, April 12, 2021. Again, the facilities are only available for hire by clubs affiliated to their respective governing bodies.

The latest reopening of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s outdoor facilities follows on from the reopening of the tennis courts at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown on Monday, April 5, 2021.

A spokesman for the Council stated: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will continue to be guided by advice from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Public Health Agency with regard to the reopening of internal leisure facilities."