A plan to keep football coaches across the county connected during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been revealed by the Cumberland Football Association.

While the situation continues to develop and further restrictions are expected to be placed on the public in a bid to tackle the outbreak, the Cumberland FA is launching a virtual 'coffee club' for coaches to share ideas and give people their weekly football fix while football at all levels is postponed.

A statement released by the association said: "With unprecedented times of uncertainty ahead we are working to continue to connect with coaches across Cumberland.

"Given that bringing people together for both formal and informal education is not currently possible at the moment we are launching a virtual coaches' coffee club.

"This will be a really relaxed and informal session that will run online once a week over the next month.

"The topics and discussion points will be completed guided by yourselves, our grassroots community.

"This will be a chance for coaches to still connect with each other and get some of their weekly football fix that we are all already missing."

People who are interested in taking part in the sessions and have suggestions for topics to be discussed are asked to complete an online form which is available on the Cumberland FA website.

Details of which platforms will be used for the sessions have not yet been confirmed.

The statement added: "On each of the calls we will try to get a mix of guests to share insights and also chat through some of the discussion points you are keen to unpick as a grassroots football coach.

"These could be current problems you face, issues around team selection, coaching practice, session guidance, dealing with parents and managing behaviour to name a few."

The first session has been planned for Thursday from 7pm to 8pm and a poll will be conducted on the Cumberland FA's Twitter page to determine what will be the most suitable days and times to arrange the sessions for in the future.

The sessions will also be recorded and shared online.

For more information, call James Reid on 07918083637 or email james.reid@cumberlandfa.com