Sunderland star details what impact the UK’s lockdown is having on mental health and how they are keeping fit at home

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has banned public gatherings of more than two people and ordered the closure of non-essential shops as part of a string of measures to help combat the virus.

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has also caused the postponement of all professional and amateur football in Britain, with Sunderland Ladies FAWNL campaign declared null and void last week.

And captain Keira Ramshaw, speaking to the Echo, detailed the impact the lack of football was having.

“Personally I feel a little lost at this sad time, football is my life,” Ramshaw said.

The stylish midfielder also works at a school in Low Fell, Gateshead, which has also been affected by the outbreak.

“I absolutely adore my job at Glynwood Primary School but unfortunately both [football and work] have been impacted by the virus.

“I’m missing football like mad and missing all of my team, but keeping busy at home with our home exercise based programme is helping.

“Obviously I keep in touch with the lasses daily so we are always in contact even though at the moment we aren’t seeing each other.

“Football is my hobby. It’s my life and I am lost but without it.

“I completely understand that we need to all keep safe to try and fight this virus. I only hope that we see some light at the end of the tunnel soon.

“I struggle without football and have done since I was about five. It feels strange without it, especially during a season.

“I think when you’ve trained so many times each week for almost 22-years obviously it will have an impact on your mental health.”

“I’m keeping busy at home with a training programme and have an amazing family around me to keep me company.

“Although times are hard I think we need to remember that everyone is struggling through this in some way.

“There’s so many people been affected by it and it’s important that we all try to stay positive through this and have the confidence in our country to get through all of this together.”