The FA have issued updated guidelines for the National League System (NLS) and Women’s Football Pyramid (WFP) that include a phased and limited return of spectators for clubs at steps three to six and tiers three to four respectively.

We are pleased to announce that this Sunday we can welcome back supporters! Join us at our new home, Haworth Park off Beverley Road, Hull. Due to Covid-19 we are only allowed to permit 180 spectators at this time. Social distancing guidelines must be followed at all times around the grounds in line with the FA. All season pass holders will be guaranteed entry to all upcoming pre-season fixtures and the season ahead. Buy yours here!

The FA have worked continuously alongside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) and we have worked alongside the FA which will enable us to allow fans into our ground. Stage One we can have 180 spectators at Haworth Park and in stage two we can have 360 spectators.

Stage one:

From 22 August 2020 to 30 August 2020, spectators are permitted to attend fixtures providing that their number does not exceed 15 percent of the minimum ground grading capacity at these levels or respective figures set out within our updated guidelines.

Stage two:

From 31 August 2020, we will be permitted to allow spectators to attend fixtures provided that their number does not exceed 30 per cent of the minimum ground grading capacity at their level or the respective figures set out within our updated guidelines.

In everything we do, we will always be following government guidelines and FA guidelines about COVID-19. Social distancing, safety measures, and cleaning measures will be strictly adhered to.

Our ‘Covid-19 Officer’, Bethany Vantilburg and her assistant Covid 19 Officer Josh Hairsine will be responsible for oversight of the Covid-19 risk assessments, ensuring the necessary level of risk mitigations are in place and the minimum guidance to be achieved has taken place.

All players, officials, volunteers and spectators must undergo a self-assessment for any Covid-19- symptoms. No-one should leave home to participate in football if they, or someone they live with, has any of the following: 

  • A high temperature (above 37.8oC); 
  • A new, continuous cough; 
  • A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste.

All spectators will have to fill in a Track and Trace sheet, whilst temperature checks will take place on entry into the ground. Sanitising stations and social distancing measures will be in place.

The FA continues to work closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Sport England in order to provide good practice guidance for those responsible for delivering different aspects of football. We will be working closely with the FA and as the weeks/months progress, Government restrictions may or may not be eased further. The phased and limited return of spectators at these levels will be kept under constant review in line with the UK Government’s guidelines and will be amended accordingly as required. Whatever the government outcomes are, we’ll update our guidance accordingly and the safety of all players, staff, supporters, officials, and volunteers is of paramount importance to us.

At Haworth Park we offer a fantastic, safe facility to watch football, we have bar facilities with great offers for all which are, most importantly, affordable. Above all we want to promote that we are a family friendly, inclusive club, we extend a very warm welcome to all and pride ourselves on being a team Hull can be proud of. We look forward to welcoming fans to our pre-season games and all FA Women’s National League games. You can read more about the start of the FAWNL here, and you can read more on an update about the club here!

Once again, we are much appreciated with everyone’s support. We are thankful for our loyal fans, key partners and sponsors and anyone who wishes to be part of the Tigress family. We will always welcome any new support and hope to grow further with new partnerships, sponsors, and fans across the city.

Fixtures for our upcoming season will be announced in due course. On Sunday 23rd August, Hull City Ladies will be taking on Barnsley Women for a pre-season fixture at Haworth Park. KO is 2pm, come down and support the Tigresses whilst watching live football, it’s been a while!

*Written By Alex Robinson

**Graphics by Danny Douglas