‘Cancel local sport’: Bold call on Gold Coast action

Gold Coast sport shouldn’t be run again until 2021. That’s it, I said it.

GOLD Coast sport shouldn’t be run again until 2021.

That’s it, I said it.

As Australia, like many parts of the world, continues to be gripped by COVID-19, a major side plot has been there simmering beside it the whole way.

Health, the economy and when can we get back to playing and watching sport are the big three.

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The first two are obviously the most pressing but sport plays an enormous part in our lives.

In saying that, I cannot see how sport can be played at a grassroots level in a safe environment.

Brothers playing soccer in their backyard

Numerous clubs the Bulletin has spoken to have said they are actually at risk of losing more money if they play again this year because of insurance concerns and equipment costs.

On the other hand many clubs also rely on money garnered from registration fees from players to keep their not-for-profit organisations going.

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As a sports journalist I can say I’d love nothing more for sport to be played because I love it and it is the focus of my work but I can’t even fathom reaching a point where I’d be comfortable for my daughter to be involved in 2020.

Lucky she is two and a few years off playing anything.

Some of the biggest angst felt by people in and out of sport has been due to the anxiety-inducing mystery surrounding a return date.

Not knowing means planning can’t be done with clarity and decisions can’t be made.

It has meant criticism has flowed freely from both people on both sides of the argument so if we end the combative verbal slanging matches by looking to 2021, then the better we will be.

Professional leagues are still in a position to play at some stage this year and they have the resources to do it while securing the revenue that can be funnelled into grassroots sport in many cases.

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Everyone else, cool your jets. Look at is as an opportunity to gain an advantage on your rivals. Put a ball into your children’s hands and make the backyard games some of their most memorable.