Academy Return

Monday 7 September 2020

Dear Parents / Guardians,

I hope you and our young athletes are well in what has been an extraordinary 6 months. Mark, Marie I were all placed on the Governments Furlough scheme which meant that we were unable to carry out any work for the club, which explains why we suddenly disappeared! The good news is that we are now returning to work on a 50% basis and are in the planning phase of our return to training.

As the track at Leckwith is owned and managed by Cardiff City’s House of Sport, we are obliged to follow their guidance regarding their facility. At this moment in time, the guidance is 30 people (including coaches) on the track at any one time. Obviously, this is a lot less than we are used to and means that we cannot bring the Academy back fully, but we can make a step in that direction.

Before we finalise the sessions, we need to understand the demand. Please can you respond (academyheadcoach@cardiffaac.org) before 9^th of September by telling me if your child will be returning and which session is their preferred option. At the moment, we have the potential for these time slots: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm to 7pm. This may change depending on demand i.e. if there’s insufficient demand for Tuesday, we won’t run that session.  Please also indicate their current school year.

Depending on demand, the sessions will have to be booked in advance and you may not be able to attend each week. With that in mind we won’t be asking for the full-term payment up front but will be taking payment of £5.50 each week, which includes the £2.50 track fee imposed by House of Sport. Parents will be asked to sign a Covid Waiver before the first session and the children’s temperature will be checked prior to admission. Our coaches will be wearing a face mask throughout the session.

Unfortunately, the club room remains closed, but we ask that parents stay on site in either their cars or outside of the perimeter fence. Hand sanitiser will be available, but athletes are invited to bring their own, along with a water bottle for use while training. Toilets are available as usual on hr ground floor of the stadium.

Hopefully, these measures will reassure you that we are taking precautions where needed and that you’ll feel safe with your child returning to training.

I’ll look forward to hearing from you to confirm your intention to return.

Best Wishes

Gayle & Marie