Grassroots sport could be set for a return after lockdown.

Youth and lower level football clubs will be allowed to play if plans to ease lockdown on December 2 go ahead as planned.

Workington AFC chairman Les Byers was pleased to hear that football grounds will be able to welcome fans back from December.

“We’ve got the go-ahead for December 7, the capacity is still to be confirmed so at the moment, we’re assuming it will remain 400,” he said.

Workington Reds are expecting to play Nantwich Town away, a game which was postponed due to the second lockdown.

“We’re really pleased to get the go ahead,” he added. “I’m delighted for everyone at the club, the managers and especially the fans.”

Reds are hoping to return home to Borough Park for their scheduled New Year’s Day clash against Pontefract Collieries.

Luke Johnson, chairman and director at Whitehaven AFC said: “Although we appreciate the reasons behind the closure and support any measures which help control this terrible virus, it is fantastic that we are being allowed to reopen.

“Our players are the heart and soul of our club and we can’t wait to welcome them back. As well as contributing towards a healthy lifestyle, it also supports the mental well-being of everyone involved”

He said: “We haven’t stood still throughout the closure, but have used the time to distribute food parcels and hot meals to people who need them.

“We couldn’t have got through this period without the support of our amazing families and the local community.”

The non-league club has about 400 members, from under-18s through to the First Team with youngsters making regular appearances on the Youth League circuit.

Phil McCormick, of Whitehaven Cricket Club, said: “We’re hoping to start junior nets in the new year with adult nets indoors, all being well.”

The club fortunately completed their run of games before the second lockdown came into play, meaning they can start afresh in the new year as they normally would.

Mr McCormick said: “As long as we follow the Government guidelines we can prepare for a proper season starting at the end of April as opposed to the truncated last season.

“It’s been a strange 12 months. We’ll follow whatever the Government asks.”

A spokesman for Whitehaven Rugby League Club said: “We can’t wait to welcome you all back to the Recreation Ground as soon as we can.”

Secretary of Whitehaven Cricket Club, Arthur Lamb, added that plans could change as the public health director expects to see Cumbria in tier two: “We don’t know what the ECB guidance is going to be, personally I think it will be what it was in October with groups of six. It’s a case of wait and see what happens.”

The Government is yet to reveal full details of the tier system arrangement beyond when the second lockdown ends. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated that sport may be permitted regardless of tier restrictions.

Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said: “The news is very welcome for everyone who has so badly missed the usual opportunities to play sport and keep active.

"From the Prime Minister down there is now a strong recognition of the vital benefits of playing sport and being active, not just for your physical wellbeing, but also crucially as a support for your mental health.”