Derry City permitted to return to Brandywell Stadium

The Candy Stripes have been training at Aileach Football Club since the League of Ireland's four European qualified teams were permitted to return to collective training by the FAI at the beginning of June.

However, following new government guidance, Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced its outdoor leisure facilities and pitches will reopen for sports clubs as 'an interim measure to assist with their return to play'.

Brandywell Stadium is among a 'select list' of full size grass and 3G pitches which will be available for hire, however the main pavilion building and toilet facilities will remain closed.

The Council owned facilities will also remain closed to the general public, however, a bespoke Leisure Covid-19 booking system will be up and running from today (Thursday) for clubs affiliated to recognised National Governing Body to book their training slots directly and to ensure compliance with risk assessments and safe systems of works.

"To assist this process, Council will require all sports clubs and organisations looking to train or use the facilities to provide supplementary information in addition to the normal booking documentation, including a specific Covid-19 risk assessment, all of which is in line guidance from NI Executive, Sport NI and relevant National Governing Bodies," read a statement from Derry City & Strabane District Council.

"As part of this open call to constituted clubs to access facilities, the Council is asking all clubs and sports organisations to ensure they have made the necessary preparations to supply all documentation required. It is important to note that the main pavilion buildings will remain closed as will the toilet facilities.

"The fees for hiring pitches will be £14 per two hour session. Sessions can only be booked for training purposes only. All hire charges for any competitive and pre-season games will be as outlined in the pricing policy.

"Clubs looking for more information and keen to book the outdoor pitches are urged to fill out the online form at the link below.

Full information and the booking form can be accessed at http://derrystrabaneleisure.com/bookings/

Sports clubs can request a booking by sending a booking application form and all required supporting documentation to sportsdevelopment@derrystrabane.com.

A spokesperson for the Leisure section reassured the public that it regularly reviews any updated guidance from the Government in relation to outdoor leisure facilities reopening to the public, adding that staff are working behind the scenes in preparation of that happening over the summer months.

The spokesperson said that it was important to note that Council must follow the strict guidelines from Government, Sport NI and the relevant National Governing Bodies Guidance and while Council owned leisure centres also remain closed, new Government guidelines have permitted us to make arrangements for a phased reopening later this summer.

"The Council is committed to working with all sports organisations, governing bodies and user groups to ensure that when all leisure facilities are reopened that they do so in line with Government guidelines and the health and safety of staff and the public are to the fore.

"Regular updates in relation to the resumption of services will be communicated with leisure members, user groups, stakeholders and the wider public on a regular basis in the weeks ahead.

More information is available on the Council website at – www.derrystrabane.com/leisure.