FOR the majority of clubs on the football pyramid, the last two seasons have been a story of cancellation, curtailment and expunction. 

This has meant uncertain times for thousands of grassroots and non-league teams beyond the Premier League and Football League, many of whom have been left in limbo.

Non-league clubs were the first to welcome fans back to their grounds and were able to set an example to other organisations looking to organise sporting events safely, but they were also the most affected whenever Covid-19 restrictions were ramped up.

Despite all of this, there have already been promising signs ahead of the upcoming season for Liverpool’s community-owned club, City of Liverpool FC.

Due to their community focus, the club’s operations were not halted just because there were no football matches to play.

Work continued off the pitch through City of Liverpool in the Community, which has contributed greatly to the local area during difficult times.

The club’s community football team, including players from the refugee football sessions Football for Everyone and the Social Footy initiative, were recently invited to Anfield for a friendly match against Liverpool Homeless FC.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our participants, especially those who are Liverpool fans!” said COLFC in the Community volunteer Michael Meadows.

“We’re grateful to Liverpool FC and COLFC for arranging the fixture and allowing us to play, it’s certainly something none of us will ever forget.

“It was amazing in particular to share the experience with some of our refugee footballers who are a huge part of what we do. Seeing them running out at Anfield in their new home city was a brilliant moment for us all.”

The club’s community arm recently launched women’s Social Footy sessions open to all ages and abilities at their Purple Hub facility in Huyton.

“Women’s football has been something we had been looking to establish before lockdown and we feel now is the perfect time to launch the sessions,” said COLFC in the Community’s Sean Lindblad.

“There is a whole generation of women out there who weren’t allowed to play at school or were stopped from playing once they reached a certain age. 

“We hope we can give those who may have not been able to play the chance to get into football and enjoy everything it has to offer.”

With a light emerging at the end of the tunnel, and tentative hope that a full season of football can be completed at non-league level for the first time since May 2019, first-team football operations have been ramped up and can once again complement the community effort.

Reassuring on-pitch news has come in the form of a raft of popular players re-signing for the upcoming season and a new signing already made at centre-back, Shaun Kelly.

32-year-old Kelly arrives from Bala Town and has previously played at Football League level with his first club Chester City. 

He then spent several years in the Australian leagues with South Melbourne, Port Melbourne Sharks and Dandenong City before returning to the UK with Bala.

“Shaun is a great signing for us,” said COLFC manager Michael Ellison. “He brings with him a wealth of experience and after meeting with him it was clear he would fit into what we’re trying to do.

“Shaun had a number of clubs chasing him and I’m delighted he has chosen the Purps.”

A number of players have already re-signed for the 2021-22 campaign including Nathan Burke, Louis Corrigan, Ethan Devine, Stephen Rigby and “The Purple Messi” — Jack Hazlehurst.

There will be more announcements in the coming days and weeks as the club prepare to challenge in the Northern Premier League Division One West.

Fans’ favourite Mitch Bryant has also re-signed for 21/22 and the striker is looking forward to the return of the supporters as well as the football itself.

“I’m delighted to be re-signing for the club this coming season,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back playing with the lads and building on the positive performances we had prior to the season coming to an end. 

“We’ll set high targets as a group this year and I intend to play a big part in that. Let’s get the fans back in and start enjoying our football again!”

For more information on the Social Football sessions and Football For Everyone, follow @COLFCcommunity on Twitter or visit cityofliverpoolfc.co.uk