All the rules you need to know as outdoor grassroots sport returns in England

There’s no need to practise your golf swing indoors anymore and you can meet friends for a net session or kickabout, with gatherings of either six people or two households now permitted as part of the further lifting of lockdown restrictions.

"I’m super pumped, I can’t wait. It’s been a long time since our last knock,” said Sam Salt, who oversees the coaching of 420 players of various abilities – including national-level competitors - in his role as head of tennis at Graves Health and Sports Centre, a ‘hub’ for the sport in Sheffield

"There’s a lot to consider because we have to plan these things, we can’t play up to 30 hours on the first week, but we are looking forward to a staggered comeback.”

While outdoor sports facilities such as tennis courts can reopen from today, indoor courts cannot reopen for adults until 17 May. Children will be allowed to take part in formally organised group sessions indoors from April 12.

The first junior tournament of a busy summer schedule for all age groups is set to take place on 17 April after a year without any amateur competitions.

Sam added: “It’s been incredibly challenging for everyone on a number of different levels. From a mental perspective, it’s been pretty challenging because we have had to stop and start so many times.

"It’s been very challenging for players to build any momentum. From a physical point of view, players have lost their conditioning two or three times.”

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Golfers across Sheffield began teeing off once again this morning in groups of no more than four people and at 10-minute intervals.

Booking slots at Abbeydale Golf Club for today filled up in fewer than five minutes after their online system went live last week.

Nigel Perry, who manages the club, which has 550 playing members, said: “Everybody is really, really looking forward to it.

"The last year has been tough but at the same time we have survived it very well.”

Up to 180 people will be able to play at Abbeydale every day now restrictions have eased, and they can potentially enjoy a drink on the club’s outdoor terrace from April 12, with the inside bar opening no earlier than May 17.

Nigel, who spent 26 years as the club’s head professional from 1990 to 2016, said golf’s popularity has ‘definitely’ surged since the end of the first lockdown.

He added: “It was one of the first sports to be released from restrictions last year and it became so popular. People had nothing else to do.

"All in all furlough has been a great saviour for us, without it we really would have struggled. The club survived very nicely.”

Not every sports club has been as fortunate, however.

Stocksbridge Park Steels saw their season declared null and void for the second consecutive year in February after play was suspended in October – and the club cannot afford to play friendly games to keep the bank balance and squad ticking over ahead of August.

Vice chairman Roger Gissing said: “You have got to pay the players and match officials. We wouldn't cover our costs.

"It’s a shame because it’s probably been the worst year or so in the club’s history.”

To make matters worse, the Bracken Moor clubhouse flooded in February, causing damage to the changing rooms.

"It’s in a right mess,” Roger added.

Vandals also damaged the goal posts, which cost the club £2,000 to replace. The pitch also needs to be refurbished – at a cost of £16,000.

Stocksbridge hope to be able to host Sheffield Wednesday’s first team in a pre-season friendly this summer to recoup their expenditure. The club, who play at Step 4 of the National League system, need crowds of around 400 spectators to break even.

Roger said: “We are very fortunate to have a sponsor that’s been very good to us. We are just looking to get ready for next season and be in a secure position.”

Grassroots football can return from today, but no spectators will be allowed to watch, as per government rules, until no earlier than 17 May.

Only one parent or guardian per child is permitted to attend their sessions, where this can be safely accommodated and following all appropriate guidance.

Indoor football is still banned until at least 17 May, apart from disability football, which can take place indoors.

Meanwhile, recreational cricketers should get a full season of action this year after last summer’s calendar was cut short due to a late start.

The new season is set to begin on Saturday, April 17 for teams in South Yorkshire – but traditions like tea and a few drinks in the clubhouse after the game are on hold until at least May 17.

Hand sanitiser breaks every six overs will also continue from last year and players still cannot use changing rooms.

Andy Fisher, secretary at Thorpe Hesley and High Green Cricket Club, said: “I don't think cricket clubs make a massive amount of money over the bar but part of the day of cricket on a Saturday is socialising; having a catch-up with team mates during tea, staying behind for a drink.

“You generally have a good relationship with opponents and see them once or twice a year. You see the same people you have been playing for 20 years and like to sit down and have a catch-up with them.”