Club granted permission to continue at Shielfield Park

Ahead of the England-wide lockdown that came into effect yesterday (November 5), the Board of Directors sought clarification from the Government and Scottish football authorities regarding the staging of matches at Shielfield Park.

This afternoon, the UK and Scottish Governments have confirmed that due to the club’s Elite/Professional status in the Scottish football pyramid, Berwick Rangers FC will continue to play its home matches at Shielfield Park and operate as normal, in line with the current COVID-19 protocols.

The players and management team, meanwhile, have also been granted permission to travel back and forth across the border for matches. This decision has been conveyed to the football policing authorities and the regulations also apply to the club’s Old Shielfield neighbours, Tweedmouth Rangers FC, who play in the East of Scotland Football League.

Speaking about the positive outcome, Vice-Chairman Craig Forsyth said: “It goes without saying that the club is incredibly grateful to everybody who has helped to get this matter resolved, allowing us to continue as we are currently despite the new lockdown restrictions that have been enforced.

“In particular, I’d like to thank our local MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the MP’s Chief of Staff Tom Forrester, Lowland League Chairman George Fraser, Lowland League Secretary David Baxter, Inspector Swan and Tweedmouth Rangers FC Chairman Kevin Dixon for their assistance.

“Like many clubs, we have gone to some expense to ensure Shielfield Park is COVID-19 secure for our players, management team and our opponents and we’ll continue to maintain the standards we have set for as long as is required.”

The club’s next home match is on Tuesday night (November 10) against University of Stirling.