South Metro juniors pushing on with a 2020 season
Despite Melbourne being in lockdown, the largest under-age competition in Australia is still keen to get a season going, mindful of the mental health and wellbeing of its players.
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The South Metro Junior Football League, the largest under-age competition in Australia, remains hopeful of staging a mini-season in 2020.
The SMJFL was to kick off on Friday night, but with the State Government’s stage three restrictions for the coronavirus crisis starting today the league has delayed its season for at least six weeks.
“We understand this decision will come as a disappointment for many, as you have all invested an incredible amount of volunteer time this season,’’ league chief executive Sarah Loh said in a message to the clubs.
“I want to recognise the work done by all of you and make the commitment that we will continue the preparation for an alternate start date this year in collaboration with the clubs and based on government advice.
“Thank you for your understanding and patience during this incredibly challenging period for the state of Victoria. We’re all in this together, and the SMJFL board and staff are committed to running the 2020 season in some format, as previously stated.’’
Loh told Leader that clubs were remaining positive about playing a season, which could take in the four weekends in September.
If it does go ahead the SMJFL could also potentially use October dates, which Cricket Victoria had agreed to give up for the staging of senior and junior football finals.
“There’s no discussion about cancelling the season at the moment because we’ve made a commitment to catch up with the clubs next week and there’s no way we’ll be making any decision about cancelling until we’ve consulted with our clubs,’’ Loh said.
“What we will be talking to the clubs about is a different offering.
“They are still very, very positive. They’ve worked really hard. From our perspective they’ve been positive all year and really come on this journey and been involved in the discussions and the decision-making and they’ve encouraged us to run it.
“Our tagline is about the kids. In the six weeks we’ve been allowed to train, based on all the AFL protocols, the smiles on their faces, just to be at training, has been amazing. And the volunteers have been amazing in following those protocols.’’
Loh said the league, like the State Government, was mindful of the mental health and wellbeing of players.
She said the focus for 2020 was “footy for fun’’.
The South Metro league, which has 25 clubs and is based at Linton St, Moorabbin, has had an increase in registrations and teams this year despite the coronavirus crisis.
There are 10,500 registered players and 515 teams.
The league also has almost 650 umpires.
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