Southern Counties East Football League teams have been given a start date for the new season.

The league have pencilled in a date of Saturday, September 5 for the resumption of action which means, at present, they would take place without fans.

Fans could be allowed back into stadiums from October, subject to pilot trials at selected events.

Teams in the Southern Counties East had their 2019/20 campaign expunged due to the coronavirus pandemic but can now plan for a new one.

The league have said the Challenge Trophy won’t be played due to the congested season.

A statement said: “Given the shortened season, the FA Cup and Vase competitions taking place and the indication that county cups could also be played, the board have decided not to proceed with the Challenge Trophy for the 2020/21 season.”

They said their plans were “subject to change should circumstances regarding COVID-19 alter, and further guidance is released by the FA.”

The league plan to hold their annual general meeting remotely on Friday, July 31 and an EGM on Thursday, August 13.

Many teams have been busy during the summer, putting together their squads, and player registrations can be accepted from next Saturday, August 1.

The Premier Division of the SCEFL will be boosted by the addition of Balham and Tower Hamlets, meaning 21 teams will be competing for the two promotion spots into the Isthmian League.

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