Milton Keynes Powerleague re-opens amid return to grassroots football

Fresh guidelines announced by the FA signalled the long-awaited of grassroots football return for hundreds of players in Milton Keynes.

And as a sign of the company’s appreciation for health heroes, Powerleague is offering all NHS employees free football between the hours of 9am and 5pm, until the end of October.

Powerleague CEO Christian Rose said; “This is fantastic news for everybody involved in grassroots football in the local community. We’ve heard from a number of players over the last few months who are desperate to get back playing football and we’re thrilled that we’re now able to allow them to do that.

“The physical and mental benefits of small-sided football are huge, and we know how much of an asset to the community Powerleague Milton Keynes has proven to be and we are delighted to be back.

“It was hugely important to us that we showed our immense gratitude for our brilliant NHS in whatever way we could, and we’re delighted to be able to offer all NHS employees free daytime football for the next few months.”

Powerleague staff at the MK site, which is at Fyfield Barrow on Walnut Tree, are implementing a number of additional health and safety measures and guidelines for players, referees, coaches and staff. These include regular disinfecting of the ball and pitches, social distancing measures in and around the clubhouses, contactless payments, and curbs on handshakes.

Across the country more than 1.3 million adults play small-sided football at least twice a month, while 2.6 million schoolchildren who take part every week.