Dear All,

We would like to start this update by sending our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those within the Middlesex football family who have sadly passed away, as a result of Covid-19. Our thoughts are with everyone that has been affected by the virus at this very difficult time. We would also like to express our thanks to all the key workers out there, we have a huge amount of respect and gratitude for everything you have done and continue to do. 

Over the last two months we have been committed to produce a support package that safeguards the future of the game in our County, Middlesex. I have personally experienced the challenges you all have through my role as Club Secretary/Treasurer seeing no income for the club during these unprecedented circumstances.  With this in mind, we have had to be creative across the organisation to ensure our plan supports you best.  

We are delighted to confirm the following decisions have been approved to help support you, our clubs, leagues and the wider grassroots game for the 2020/21 season. We see this is an opportunity for the Middlesex Football Family to come back stronger as we value the hard work you all do across the County in the nation’s favourite game. 

• Free club and team affiliation for the 2020/21 season
• Free entry to all County Cups
• Free Public Liability Insurance
• Discounted Personal Accident Insurance through our new insurance partner ‘UKGlobal’ (further details will be distributed when affiliation opens)
• Free League Sanctioning
• Free Referee Personal Accident Insurance

Our number one priority since lockdown has been to ensure everyone stays safe by following government advice and adhering to the regulations. During this period, we have been collaborating with The Football Association to confirm the best way to support our stakeholders and help us return to the grass. 
We are extremely grateful for the funding The FA and Sport England have made available to enable us to make the financial decisions above and also the Middlesex FA Board of Directors for their approval. Without The FA and Sport England’s support and investment into the grassroots game the impact on participation in Middlesex and beyond would have been devastating. 

We all believe and are conscious of the current financial pressures and we hope this comes as good news and goes some way to helping you prepare for the forthcoming season. We are optimistic about the future and are excited to continue connecting with our stakeholders and inspiring our community to get back involved in football. 

Further information regarding Staffing, Safeguarding, Affiliation, Referee Registration, Rectory Park, Middlesex Learning, County Cups and all other areas of the game will be released in the coming weeks. Please keep visiting our COVID-19 News and Support section on our website for up to date information. 

Stay safe, keep well and follow government advice during this very challenging time. 

Kind Regards,

Leigh O’Connor