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Nov 2020

Last Updated: 23/11/2020

Business

Harrogate district sports clubs and gyms celebrate return

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 23 Nov, 2020

Local grassroots organisations react with delight to today's government green light to reopen. There is also the prospect of Harrogate Town welcoming fans.

Sport and leisure clubs in the Harrogate district have reacted with delight to this afternoon's government announcement that they can reopen next week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed lockdown will end on December 2 and the country will return to a tier system.

Gyms, sports clubs and non-essential shops will all be able to re-open.

Chris McVey, chair of Pannal Ash Junior Football Club, which has 400 boys and girls, said it hoped to resume training on the weekend of December 5 and 6.

"It's good news but to be honest I'm still bemused by it all. I don't know why the boys and girls couldn't train. I don't know what their fitness levels will be like after a month off but it will be great to be back."

Harrogate Gymnastics Club tweeted it was 'brilliant news'.

Phillip McKay, owner of independent Ripon gym Intrim, agreed. He told the Stray Ferret:

"When you see people queueing for McDonald's and gyms closed, it doesn't make sense. Gyms have so many health benefits."

Mike Barnett, coach of Harrogate Ladies rugby club, said:

"The announcements are really positive for the players physically and also mentally as they are doing something they love with their friends again. We are still not at a place to do matches but they will be pleased to get back together.

"We just need to wait for the official line from the RFU and what tier Harrogate is placed in."

There was good news for Harrogate Town fans too, with the government also raising the prospect of some fans possibly being allowed to return to outdoor events. Harrogate Town celebrated the news on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/HarrogateTown/status/1330915072407957504

Government guidance today said adult sport would be permitted outdoors in tier one areas but must follow the rule of six indoors.

Outdoor sports can also take place in tier two areas but only one household can take part in indoor activities.

Tier three also permits outdoor sports but limits household mixing and encourages people to avoid contact sport.