ELITE sport will continue through the latest coronavirus lockdown but, while the likes of the City and Bradford (Park Avenue) play on, grassroots sport has taken a hit again.

A March-style full lockdown due to concerns of rising Covid-19 cases means outdoor gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, archery/driving/shooting ranges and riding arenas must all close.

Outdoor team sports and golf will be prohibited in England.

Football below the Vanarama National League North, which both Avenue and Guiseley play in, steps three to six of the non-league system and tiers three to seven of the women's football pyramid right down to grassroots - must stop.

The FA Cup & FA Trophy are classed as ‘elite sport’ and will continue in lockdown.

While the non-elite FA Vase, which Liversedge are still involved in, and the Vitality Women's FA Cup have been suspended.

"Dialogue will continue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, leagues, competitions and County Football Associations and we will provide further updates for the 2020-21 Vitality Women's FA Cup, Buildbase FA Vase and non-elite football when relevant," a Football Association statement read.

The Rugby Football Union have suspended the community game until further notice, moving back to Stage A of their Return to Rugby Roadmap.

"While this is not the way we hoped to start 2021, we all need to play our part and strictly adhere to Government guidance over the next few weeks to protect our communities and to enable the vaccine to be as effective as possible, so we can all begin to return to a more normal way of life, including rugby, in the coming months," said rugby development director Steve Grainger.

"We would like to thank you all once again for your commitment and resilience in the face of adversity. We appreciate the support you have provided for your rugby communities and thank you for your understanding during the toughest of times, for the sport and society as a whole.

"We will continue to monitor guidance and to progress negotiations with government to finalise plans for release of financial support from the Winter Sport Survival Package."

England Golf, which campaigned hard for the reopening of courses when they were closed first time around, expressed disappointment.

"England Golf - as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf along with other leading industry bodies - is extremely disappointed with the news, having made a strong case in recent months to keep golf open during the national lockdowns and in the regional tier system," said a statement.

"It is with great regret that we share this news with you, but please be assured that we will continue to make the case for golf to reopen whenever possible."

The Lawn Tennis Association also wants to put its case across.

"Tennis is a naturally socially-distanced sport that is safe to play and gives people the opportunity to get outside and exercise with a friend or relative," a statement read.