Football SA finds White City Soccer Club did not break COVID-19 restrictions

Football SA has investigated an alleged COVID breach by a western suburbs soccer club last week – and found it did not break the rules.

A photo supplied to The Messenger of an alleged training session at Frank Mitchell Reserve, which Football SA investigated and has now cleared White City Soccer Club of. Picture: Supplied

Football South Australia has cleared a western suburbs soccer club over allegations it breached COVID-19 restrictions with an exercise session last week.

A concerned Woodville West resident contacted The Messenger after witnessing what they believed to be a training session held by White City Soccer Club at Frank Mitchell Reserve last week.

Under current State Government restrictions, community sport competitions and trainings are suspended until December 1.

White City officials said the training was a permitted boot camp session and had been ticked off through SA Health’s COVID-19 hotline beforehand.

White City players celebrate during an NPL SA match last month. Picture: Adam Butler

Football SA chief executive Michael Carter said the organisation had completed its investigation into whether or not White City had breached COVID-19 restrictions.

He said it had been determined that the club sought advice from the COVID-19 hotline to conduct a boot camp style fitness session involving players from the club.

Football SA was also advised that SAPOL did not raise any concerns with the activities undertaken.

As a result no further action will be taken by Football SA

Community sport is permitted to resume from tomorrow under modified plans to limit potential virus spread.

Football SA last week released draft fixtures for its National Premier League, State League, reserves and under-18 men’s preliminary finals, which had to be postponed earlier this month.

Under the proposed matches, White City would play South Adelaide in the State League One preliminary final this Friday.