NSW community sports 2021: Government rules out October comeback

The government has ruled out a community sport comeback until at least early November despite opening gyms and pools across the state.

The government has ruled out a community sport comeback in NSW next month despite reopening gyms and pools, dashing the hopes of thousands of budding young athletes.

Just as local cricket clubs were preparing to meet with the governing body to sketch out a return-to-play plan, the NSW Government announced community sport would not restart at 70 per cent vaccination.

NSW is on track to hit that target in mid-October, at which point gyms, indoor recreation facilities and pools will open to the vaccinated under Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s road map to freedom.

Sophie and Daniel Mitchell can’t wait to get out of lockdown and onto the cricket pitch. Picture: Tim Hunter

The popular Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain reopened with restrictions this week because it’s a harbour pool but will be joined by other swim centres opening up next month.

However, the government says community sport in Greater Sydney and regional NSW will not restart until we hit 80 per cent vaccine coverage, around early November.

CEO of Cricket NSW Lee Germon said the body would work with the government to try to get people padded up and on the pitch earlier.

“We want to see cricket played as soon as possible and believe it can be done so in a safe way,” he said.

Daniel and Sophie Mitchell get some backyard cricket practice for when lockdown lifts. Picture: Tim Hunter

Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson said the body would “look at how we can safely bring our tennis community back onto the court in a safe way.”

Marrickville Cricket Club President Arvind Sampath hopes he’ll at least be able to get his kids out practising next month.

“We’re at a point where we’re thankful if we’re getting any season in so the sooner the better. We’re hoping by October we can at least start training,” he said.

President of the Manly-Warringah Junior Cricket Association David Nimmo said it was tough for many kids not being able to play sport.

“It’s not unexpected because there’s a lot of work to be done before we can start in terms of Covid policies. So of course it’s disappointing, but it’s just the reality," he said.

Cricket enthusiast Sophie Mitchell, 11, says just the thought of playing cricket helps her to get her through the lockdown.

“It’s been hard not being able to play sport with my friends during lockdown,” she said.

“I really hope we can play as a team again - I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed. I can’t wait to have something to look forward to on a Saturday morning again.”