Here at Bristol Rovers, I have seen first-hand just how hard it has been, both in the first team and the Academy.
The younger players at the club, the Under 9-15s, have not been able to train or play through two separate lockdowns which has been incredibly difficult to manage, both logistically with finding secure facilities and putting the correct protocols in place, and also emotionally and mentally for the boys, trying to keep them motivated to continue with a routine of fitness.
In truth, the Zoom Strength & Conditioning and ball work sessions we have put on at Bristol Rovers for the pros and younger players has at least given them a routine and maintained a level of fitness. But it is not easy for a number of different reasons. For example, more often than not, there isn’t much room at home, no space to work, and there also isn’t that personal touch you get with coaching.
Under 16 players in academies across the country have been able to train but not play in a games programme, which is clearly tough when they are fighting to gain scholarships. Only the Under 18’s have been able to continue to train and play as they are on the elite sport pathway.
Lap of luxury
With first-team players, I have seen a lot struggle, both physically and mentally. We witnessed it with our son Cameron over the first lockdown. He was running almost every day and working out every day for the entire time. Why? Because he like many footballers out there are super competitive and don’t want to lose any fitness in case they suddenly have to come in and play.
Denne historien er fra February 14, 2021-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 14, 2021-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SHAKERS REVEL IN MAKING HISTORY
DAVE McNabb says Bury's FA Cup heroes are proud to be writing their own chapters in club history.
WILCOX: WE FEEL COMPLETE WITH WIN
RUSS WILCOX'S verdict after watching his Gainsborough Trinity side outmuscle and outplay their hosts was that it was \"probably our most complete performance\".
CRACKER BY KABIA TOPPLES TUDORS!
ASSISTANT boss Stewart Yetton said his Truro City side were good value for their win over table-toppers Hemel Hempstead Town.
BRAKES PUT STOP ON BORO BATTLERS
SEPARATED only by goal difference before kick-off, these sides remain neck and neck in the embryonic table after playing out 90 minutes in the October sunshine that was a great advert for the division.
BOSS COTT'S GOT A REALLY GOOD THING WITH ROVERS
STEVE Cotterill hailed Forest Green Rovers’ first class performance as they produced a spirited comeback to topple fellow high-flyers Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium.
SKIPS STEER HEED'S SHIP
GATESHEAD captains of the past and present are playing a lead role in helping the National League club move on from the departure of FA Trophy-winning manager Rob Elliot.
FA CUP PREVIEW: SWEET! 'DREAM' DRAW IS CHANCE OF OUR LIFETIME
DAVE NORTHFIELD says minnows Biggleswade FC were like 'kids in a sweet shop' when they drew out York City in what he describes as the 'draw of a lifetime'.
PARKER'S HEART IS STILL AT HOME
FORMER England right-back Paul Parker has revealed he would never completely rule out a return to management – but says he would only do so for one of his beloved local clubs.
LOCALS RALLY TO REBUILD BRIDGE
WHEN committee members at Bamber Bridge set out to raise £30,000 to protect the club's future, they were apprehensive about the response they'd get.
RUTHLESS BEES FIND THEIR FEET
ASTERLING second-half performance resulted in league leaders Barnet brushing aside a Boston United outfit that led at the interval through Keaton Ward’s early strike.