Aylesbury MP welcomes return of outdoor sport
Today marks the latest step in the lockdown roadmap
Aylesbury's MP has welcomed the return of organised outdoor sports by visiting local sports clubs.
Rob Butler visited Aylesbury Dynamos among others last week - to talk about what the return means for them and locals.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, are also allowed to reopen today.
Rob said:
“I know everybody is keen to get back playing the sport they love, and how important exercise is for our physical and mental health. It was fantastic to speak with managers and club officials and see for myself how hard they are working to prepare for the return of their players.”
Rob heard from people working at a range of clubs that plan to reopen from today, including Aylesbury Rugby Club, Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Football Club and the Princes Risborough Golf Club.
Staff explained to Rob how they have adjusted their training regimes, rule books and buildings to reduce the risk of infection, whilst providing further support to keep their members healthy during lockdown.
Rob added:
“Sports clubs are often at the centre of communities, providing opportunities for children, men and women of all abilities to play and socialise locally.
“I was struck by the work local clubs have been doing to support their members’ mental wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.
"The Dynamos’ DynaBros programme, in particular, will help many young people struggling with their mental health open up and discuss an important subject that is often stigmatised among young men and boys.
“For children, sport can help foster friendships for life, whilst teaching them vital skills like teamwork and leadership. For adults, it is often an opportunity to escape the stresses of everyday life.
“I’ve heard for myself how the staff and volutneers at local clubs have ensured they can reopen safely and I’m delighted that people in Aylesbury and the surrounding villages will soon be enjoying all the benefits of outdoor sport again.”
What rules are changing today?
Larger group gatherings outdoors
From 29th March the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends. For example, this means that two families of four who live in two households could meet up outside.
"Stay at Home" becomes "Stay Local"
From 29th March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government's "Stay at Home" rule will end. However, many restrictions will remain in place and people will still be encouraged to stay local. People should continue to work from home where possible and overseas travel is still not permitted in the vast majority of cases.
Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29th March.
Organised sport for adults and children
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from 29th March.
Weddings with six people
Weddings attended by 6 people are allowed from 29th March. The number of guests allowed at weddings will increase as we move further through the roadmap.