THE FOOTBALL Association of Wales has welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to resume outdoor training under social distancing rules.

Teams across the country can get back down to business from Monday, July 13, and the governing body has issued a series of guidelines to ensure their return to the pitch is as safe as possible in the current climate.

This will be in groups of no more than 30 in a “low-contact” environment, and the news has been welcome by clubs across the region as they gear up for the new season.

An FAW spokesman, said: “The FAW has both received and welcomes the message from Welsh Government that ‘low-contact’ sport for groups of up-to 30 outdoors can resume.

“The FAW and FAW Trust await the revised Welsh Government’s coronavirus regulations together with its updated guidance and will be working through the changes to translate this into easily understandable information to advise both clubs and individuals as soon as possible.

“The FAW continues to work with Welsh Government and Sport Wales to develop a phased approach for the return of football in Wales.”

While it appears unlikely that the 2020/21 campaign will start on time, this gives renewed hope that plans can be finalised in the not-too-distant future.

The FAW recently formed their new Tier 3 structure that is coming in next season, although those looking to secure a Tier 4 berth are still awaiting their fate.

Rhuddlan Town were one of the first to announce their return to training from Wednesday at Pengwern College, with Prestatyn Sports’ first-team squad also taking to the pitch once again later this month.

Anyone wishing to view the guidelines implemented by the FAW regarding training can do so on their website.