FITNESS coaches and exercise enthusiasts have spoken of the joy of being able to return to sports following the latest ease in Government restrictions on lockdown.

From Monday, organised team sports were able to restart outdoors, meaning football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses all reopened after months of being closed.

Golfers hurried back to Chipping Sodbury Golf Club, with the first person tee-ing off just after 7am on Monday morning.

General manager Ryan Wood predicted this week to be the busiest ever week for the club with a fully booked diary and the first competition of the year being played this Saturday.

The owners of a retreat in Chipping Sodbury have also spoken of their excitement after finally opening their doors.

Becky Clark, owner at Goldney House in Chipping Sodbury, said the retreat that first opened in 2020 only opened for a short period before lockdown forced its closure.

The team now have a full diary of classes including yoga, pilates and dance that take place on an undercover roof terrace.

Street Cred dance owner Faith Newport restarted her ever popular mums dance class at Goldney House after adapting her business several times due to the pandemic. The trained dancer who also teaches yoga said she was overjoyed to start classes again and is planning a catalogue of events when she can welcome back her children’s dance classes on April 12.

Aimee Waters of Sodbury-based F&N with Aimee, kick started her training sessions with a body conditioning class outside in the sunshine on Monday. She said: “I think it’s great to gain a little bit of normality and routine back while still following the rules for safety from Covid-19.”

In the latest guidelines grassroots football is able to return and local youth managers have said they cannot wait to get back to matches. Ben Hopson who manages St Nicks U7 squad took his first training match on Tuesday evening after lockdown and said: “It’s amazing to be back. The smiles on the kids faces said its all.”

Ross Michael, manager of Yate United U13s side, added: “Let’s welcome the return of muddy boots. The football is back on.”