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Atlético Ottawa receives approval to return to training and start workouts
Canadian Premier League

Atlético Ottawa announced on Tuesday that it has received approval from local and provincial health authorities, as well as the Canadian Premier League, to return to in-person training behind closed doors.

The club will be back on the field at George Nelms Sport Park beginning on Wednesday when it will begin to hold voluntary workouts for players.

The CPL’s newest team is the third side to get the green light to return to training, following similar announcements by HFX Wanderers FC and Pacific FC over the past few days. The Wanderers returned to training on Monday at the Soccer Nova Scotia Centre, while Pacific resumed workouts at its Island Training Centre.

In accordance with the CPL’s training protocols, Atlético Ottawa will be taking a multi-phase approach to returning, beginning with individual or small-group workouts, which will allow for a secure, sanitary environment can be maintained and physical distancing measures can be followed.

“We are excited to get started working with our players in a training environment and we thank all healthy and safety officials and governing bodies involved in providing us with the guidelines to safely get our players back on the pitch,” club CEO Fernando López said.

As with other clubs returning to training, Atlético Ottawa indicated that its priority for its return will be the health and safety of all players and staff, as well as their families and the local community.

The league said it is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation across the country, and it will be following the advice and guidelines of all relevant government and football governing bodies going forward as part of its decision-making process.

The CPL was scheduled to kick off its second campaign on April 11, but halted pre-season training camps for all eight clubs back in March due to the pandemic. Players have been in self-isolation and working out on their own at home since then.