HOCKEY clubs continue to take small steps toward a return to action.

Hockey, like all other sports, have been sidelined since the onset of the initial nationwide lockdown in March.

Hockey Wales is currently working with Sport Wales and Welsh Government guidelines regarding a safe return to play.

However Newtown Ladies Hockey Club spokesman Shelley Roberts said it would be a long road.

She said: “There is no sign of competitive league hockey until January 2021 at the very earliest and that will only happen if Hockey Wales moves into Phase 4 return to competition.

“At the moment hockey is currently in Phase 3C which allows restricted friendlies with a limit of 30 people which includes players and officials and no spectators.

“There is no time scale on how long hockey will remain in this phase at the moment and much will depend on the Covid situation and Welsh Government regulations.”

Meanwhile Radnor Ladies Hockey Club also continue to follow guidelines in the hope of a return to action.

The club compete in the South Wales Women’s League but have been out of action since March when the coronavirus swept the world and led to the cancellation of all sport.

Club spokesperson Elin Wozencraft said: “It is frustrating but public health comes first and we will continue to work within the regulations set out by Sport Wales and Wales Hockey.

“We are hopeful of some kind of return to playing hockey in the New Year but obviously this will all depend on the Welsh Government.

“In the meantime we would like wish our sponsors and spectators all the best and hopefully we will get to see each other again in the not too distant future.”