One positive COVID-19 test as English women's football teams return to training

With a number of women's teams across the Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship returning to training, the FA have confirmed the results of the latest round of testing

One positive test

In a statement on Tuesday, the FA announced the results of the first round of COVID-19 testing for women's teams in England:

"The FA can today confirm that between 2nd July 2020 and 11th July 2020 inclusive, 802 tests were carried out for COVID-19 across the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship. Of these, one has returned positive.

"To ensure transparency, The FA will continue to release results each week across both the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship.

"At no point will specific details relating to any club, player or staff member be communicated by The FA."

Women's teams return

With the Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship set to return on the weekend of the 5th of September, a number have clubs have recently returned to training, following the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's guidance and adopting a three-stage plan for a return.

During the first phase, clubs have to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines, with regular temperature checks for those entering training facilities and no contact allowed between the players. Clubs all have to stay in phase one for at least a week.

Phase two of the plan allows relaxation of these guidelines, with close-contact training allowed, while the third phase of the plan allows full 11v11 matches to take place.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Aston Villa, Brighton, Everton, Manchester United and Spurs all returned to training on Monday, with Reading and Birmingham also set to return to training this week.

Bristol City, Manchester City, West Ham and Championship side Liverpool had already returned to full training.