The FA has confirmed all adult and children's grassroots football is to be suspended in England during the national Covid lockdown - including Hitchin Town, Arlesey Town and numerous youth and academy teams and clubs in and around north Herts.

No men's teams in leagues below National Leagues North or South will be able to train or play and women's competitions below the second-tier Championship will also be halted.

Restrictions will run from this Thursday until Wednesday, 2 December.

The restrictions also apply to all youth and indoor teams, but, lower-league sides can play in the FA Cup, meaning Stevenage's FA Cup first round clash against Concorde on Saturday will still go ahead at the Lamex.

'Non-elite' teams in this weekend's FA Cup first round will play under 'elite' conditions but will not be able to train after tomorrow, Wednesday.

The Football Association will make an announcement on their plans for the FA Trophy, FA Vase, Women's FA Cup and FA Youth Cup in due course.

"Our aim is to ensure that the 2020-21 season is completed at these levels," an FA statement read.

"Re-starting football at these levels has taken substantial determination and commitment from stakeholders across the game and we would like to thank everyone for their vital contributions.

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"However, health and wellbeing remain the priority, so it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government's new national Covid restrictions during this period."