Dear colleagues,

Firstly, I hope that you and your families are all safe and well.

It is hard to believe that I wrote to you all on the same subject a year ago. The world is now a very different place following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has changed forever how we live our everyday lives. People and communities have reassessed what is important to them and priorities have now changed. The true impact of the pandemic on grassroots football in Lincolnshire is still emerging and will not be fully known for some time, but the Lincolnshire Football Association is 100% committed to supporting our football family to re-engage in the game we all love.

We are currently developing our new five-year strategy which will be published for the start of the new season. ‘One Lincolnshire community, united and inspired by the power of football’ will outline how we plan to place football at the heart of our communities.

We recognise that many of you have faced, and still are facing challenges caused by the pandemic and may not be in the same financial position as you were. A key element of our new strategy will be removing as many barriers as we can that may stop people returning to the game.
 
As such the Lincolnshire FA, for a second year, announce that club affiliation, referee affiliation, Lincolnshire FA league affiliation fees and entry to our County Cups will be FREE for the 2021/22 season.

The Lincolnshire FA encourage all organisations involved in the delivery of football across the county, to show their commitment to their stakeholders by where possible, also removing financial barriers that may affect a return to the game.

This announcement is strictly related to Lincolnshire FA Affiliation & Sanction fees for the 2021/22 season and does NOT include Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance. Clubs and Leagues will need to purchase this through the Whole Game System during the period of Affiliation and Sanctioning.

We are currently working on the final details of Affiliation and Sanctioning for the 2021/22 season and the details of both processes including the launch date will be announced in due course.

The past 12 months have been extremely challenging but I do feel that the pandemic has brought the football family closer together as by being forced to take a step back, we have been able to fully appreciate and understand the important role football plays in bringing people and communities together. Over this difficult time, I would like to thank you for your continued support and loyalty to the game. Whether as a player, official, club or league volunteer we have all joined together to ensure that football can return and continue its role at the heart of our society.

We are all optimistic that the new season will start on time and without any interruptions. Please be assured that we will keep you updated and informed. We continue to be here to support our football community through this unprecedented period. If you require further assistance, then please do not hesitate to contact us at info@lincolnshirefa.com

Stay safe and best wishes,

Grahame Lyner
Chair
Lincolnshire Football Association