IT’S been a frustrating week for the managers, players and everyone connected to Yoker Athletic FC after the Scottish FA imposed a ban on adult training outside the Premiership.

The measure was announced by the SFA’s Joint Response Group on Thursday following breaches of protocol by a group of eight Aberdeen players, and then by Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli.

The ban will remain in place until at least Monday, August 24.

Yoker chairman Campbell Bissland said: “The news was disappointing considering all the hard work behind the scenes, getting the facilities in place at Holm Park to make it as safe an environment as possible.

“We do however fully understand this decision, as it is a question of everyone’s health and safety, which is paramount.

“We as a club will follow the advice from the JRG and SFA to ensure the safety of our players, management and staff.”

Read more: Development set-up is ‘biggest signing of the summer’, says Peter McKenna

With the new West of Scotland Football League season having been provisionally pencilled in to begin on Saturday, October 10, the ban on group training sessions could not have come at a worse time, as it has restricted the time managers and coaches have with the players in preparation for the new season.

The club has, however, been busy away from the training pitch during lockdown and were delighted to secure sponsors Primext Ltd & General Electrical Supplies Ltd as kit sponsors for the upcoming season, alongside several new player sponsorships, bringing valuable income into the club during the continued Covid-19 uncertainty.

The good news on the financial front follows the recent announcement of the new Yoker Athletic Youth Academy, with an under-20 development squad as well as U17, U16 and U15 squads.

The club hopes the new set-up will provide a pathway to develop young players up through the age groups to potential first team players of the future, securing a long term legacy for the club.