Football for all ages will be back in NSW on July 1, with the NSW Government today giving the green light for over 18s competitions to restart play in-line with junior sport.
Acting Minister for Sport The Hon. Dr. Geoff Lee announced that senior footballers will be able to join youth players in being able to commence contact training and matches from July 1 2020.
The Minister thanked the community for their patience during the pause on local sports and welcomed its return on July 1.
“Sport is the lifeblood of our community and it gives me great pleasure to say adult sports can return to their competitions at the same time as 18 years and under,” Dr Lee said.
The news of a return to community sport was welcomed across all three local football associations:
Macarthur Football Association General Manager Salv Carmusciano:
“There was certainly an extra spring in our step this morning. The MFA Community Season, including all competitions, will commence on Friday, 3 July and will run until the October long-weekend. Draws are now being produced based on the team nominations we received earlier in the year and will be made public shortly. We will do our best to ensure as much football can be played in the time we have available. We cannot wait to see the Football Family in full swing once again.”
Southern Districts Soccer Football Association General Manager Phil Sampson:
“It’s ‘game on’ for all football, young and old(er) at Southern Districts. I am sure all players and officials from all our 38 clubs share that sentiment with me. We have been working on draws for many contingencies, now we can finalise them and get on with it. Of course, the health of our players is of paramount importance, so we will need to ensure our clubs are following the guidelines and checklists required for a safe return for all. Bring on the season!”
Bankstown District Amateur Football Association General Manager Leanne Millar:
“BDAFA is grateful and excited following the return to play announcement for both Juniors and Seniors on the 1st of July. BDAFA will be providing a full season including finals for our participants and based on feedback from our players and clubs, everyone across the Bankstown region is eager to get back to playing football.”
To assist grassroots football clubs in preparation for the return to football, Football NSW has prepared a Return To Training Guide. This includes a 10-page Return to Training Guidelines Booklet, a checklist, posters for display around the venues and a brief educational video.
Participants are reminded that until 1 July 2020 the current restrictions remain in effect.
For the avoidance of doubt, no competition matches are permitted to be played (including ‘friendly’ matches as part of a training session).
It is required that all training be conducted in accordance with the Public Health Order available on the NSW Government website.
