Although last weekend may have seen a fascinating set of fixtures in the premier league, many amateur footballers are still waiting to get back on the pitch ourselves. Semi-competitive football plays a big part in many student’s university experience, and those who aren’t competing at the elite BUCS level are wondering when they will be able to kick a ball in anger again.
Although the future of intramural sport at university is in question in light of the rising case numbers, one team from The University of Edinburgh are doing their best to stay competitive during the pandemic.
Economics FC was founded in 2014 and has become more competitive each season that it has been running. Last season, they beat the Uni 4th team twice as their title challenge was cut short due to COVID.
This season, they have already organised COVID-secure training sessions to get themselves ready for when the new season’s title charge kicks off. Measures taken include separating training groups into ‘bubbles’, having a track and trace system in place and sanitizing all equipment before and after sessions. The club is continually in contact with the university and with Peffermill to make sure all requirements are being met.
One aspect that has been tough to take during lockdown is the lack of socials, which are a mainstay of the club. Nights wearing the full strip at Atik or Karaoke at Tron have had to be replaced by pub quizzes over Zoom. Also, the proposed tour to Cologne to play against their university team has had to be put off until 2021 at the earliest.
Although the future may be uncertain at the minute, Econ FC are doing the best to provide a chance for people to get back on the pitch as members patiently await the return of the new season.
For anyone interested in joining COVID-secure training sessions with Economics FC, contact Ben Barbour on Facebook. Sessions are open to all years from all degrees and from all football playing backgrounds.