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.
This story is from the February 14, 2021 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 14, 2021 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LOTTERY'S NO FUN FOR LEE!
Eagles can soar but Bircham jokes he won't enjoy it
BIRD EYES A WAY BACK IN
Tanners boss keeps perspective
VICTORY IS FOR OUR HERO GEE!
CHICHESTER CITY dedicated their five-star play-off victory to late assistant manager Graeme Gee after this one-sided encounter sent them up in style.
JAMES' HEROES TAKE A BOW
BOWERS & Pitsea bounced straight back to Step 3 foot ball after a tense penalty shootout victory over Essex rivals Brentwood Town, who in turn lost a second final shootout in three years.
STEVE'S SUITED AND LIVING DREAM
STEVE GARDENER thought he was just going for a pint with his dad and brother when he attended a meeting at the local ice rink to discuss restarting Romford Football Club.
AUSTIN'S BOYS ARE MOTORING
HARBOROUGH Town boss Mitch Austin said his side bagged the win and promotion they deserved after goals at either end of the game saw off promotion rivals Anstey Nomads.
WE'RE HEAD OVER HEELS!
Anchors seal a derby thriller
CABLES FINALLY CAN BELIEVE. JT!
PRESCOT Cables supporters have waited for more than a decade to celebrate promotion but knew this contest was over in little more than an hour.
WHITES TAKE A HARD LINE
SALISBURY boss Brian Dutton says his team won’t be bullied out of a place in the National League by big-spending AFC Totton.
THE BUCKS HAVE GOT FIZZ BACK
KEVIN WILKIN has urged his AFC Telford United promotion-chasers to take the club’s first major step back to redemption.