National League clubs to hold pilot events with spectators allowed ahead of competitive games starting in early October

In an online meeting lasting several hours yesterday, all 67 clubs were told that pilot events were being held at Stockport County (National League) and Guiseley (National League North) later this month.

Both clubs are to stage friendlies on September 15 and 26, with a certain amount of supporters being allowed in.

That follows Cambridge United last night being allowed to admit 1,000 fans to their EFL Trophy tie against Walsall - the first competitive game involving an English professional club to have fans in since lockdown was announced.

Cambridge are also being allowed to welcome 2,500 of their own supporters for this weekend’s League 2 game against Carlisle United.

The Women’s Super League fixture between West Ham and Arsenal at Dagenham will also open its doors to some spectators this weekend.

Prior to last night, Brighton & Hove Albion were the only professional club to have been allowed fans - letting in 2,500 for a friendly against Chelsea last month.

The FA are also hopeful of welcoming 10,000 fans to Wembley for the FA Trophy and FA Vase finals later this month.

The National League have asked all clubs to host a pilot event prior to their season starting on October 3 - subject to government approval.

Ideally, all clubs will play a friendly with the crowd limited to 600.

Hawks are unlikely to stage such an event as their new 3G pitch won’t be ready until the end of this month, and the club would be reluctant to have a friendly just a few days before their FA Cup opener on October 3.

Locally, clubs in the Wessex League have been asked to restrict their attendances for FA Cup and league games to 300.

Such a blanket rule would not apply in the National League, given that some stadiums are much larger than others.

When fans are given the green light to return, clubs have been asked to ensure away fans have 10 per cent of the capacity or 600 spaces, whichever is greater.

Though the situation could easily change, at present Hawks are working on being able to admit around 900 supporters. But, again, that depends on government giving the green light.

Clubs have also been told to limit the number of away team personnel to a maximum of 32.

That figure is made up of 16 players, six technical staff (manager/coach etc), a minimum of four directors and six others (media etc).

Hawks would generally take more than 32 to all away games, including around 10 directors.

This policy is in place until further notice.

Clubs have been told they can stream league games - choosing to partner with a company or run it themselves - with all monies raised going to the home club.

Previously, there was a UEFA ban on Saturday games between 2.45pm and 5.15pm, but that has been relaxed until further notice.

National League clubs no longer have to produce a printed programme in 2020/21. But if they don’t, they will still have to carry all the adverts for the league and its major sponsors on their own website and social media channels.

Hawks charged £2 for a 52-page programme last season, and have yet to decide whether they will print one in 2020/21.