THE latest stage in the return of Welsh football has been announced.

As part of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) 'Safer Return to Play' protocols senior, youth and junior contact training for 30 players will be permitted to take place from Monday.

The FAW guidelines stipulate 'conditioned intra-club and inter-club matches' and a staged reintroduction of matchplay across age groups as part of the latest easing of restrictions.

However the association has warned the return of unrestricted football provision remains some way off.

From October 19 behind closed doors friendly matches will be permitted between senior clubs from the same league with one coach and one first aider per team and limited substitutes ensuring a 30 person limit.

Localised lockdown restrictions may impact clubs.

An FAW statement said their would be several influencing factors in progressing to the start of the season from tiers two and below.

It read: "A further increase in the 30 person limit would be required for us to continue to progress at stage three. This number is particularly limiting for 11v11 matches and competitions to return.

"There would need to be an amendment to match-day officials being included within the 30-person limit. Currently, they are included meaning an 11v11 match with three substitutes each team, one referee and a coach and first aider for each team would exceed the 30-person limit.

"We require a commitment from all players, coaches, officials and parents across our football family to continue to follow our guidelines and limit the spread of the virus.

"The majority of clubs continue to follow our guidelines however we are aware of some clubs who aren’t. These clubs and teams significantly impact the return of football at all levels.

"Local lockdowns and further restrictions imposed on specific activities, settings and gatherings may impact the return of football in certain geographical areas or for certain groups. We ask all clubs to stay up to date with the latest Government guidelines and act in accordance with them for your local area."