Football Victoria announces dates for proposed resumption of competitive matches
Soccer could be the first community sport to return in Melbourne, with the governing body setting a starting date for competitive matches for juniors and seniors.
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Some soccer competitions in Melbourne could be back on the park in five weeks after the governing body tonight announced proposed dates for the resumption of competitive matches.
As a result of the state government’s decision to ease its Stage 3 restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, Football Victoria is finalising its return to play strategy.
And some competitions could be back on the park in less than five weeks.
In announcing the proposed dates, FV said the relaxing of state government restrictions had allowed small group training (10 or less) and “we expect that number to be increased in the following weeks, provided there are no major future outbreaks of the coronavirus”.
“FV is committed to taking a cautious and sensible approach with regard to the safety of all participants in our sport, be they players, coaches, staff or fans,” the announcement said. “However, we also understand there is a pressing need for clarity regarding when competitions are expected to resume.”
After ongoing discussions with FFA, along with state and federal governments and Sport and Recreation Victoria, FV has developed a number of scenarios, which are still being finalised.
Football Victoria is targeting the following dates for a proposed resumption of play:
June 28: community clubs (including juniors).
June 20: NPL junior clubs.
Early July: NPL senior clubs.
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FV said it would continue to work through issues with NPL senior clubs, as there were added complexities in re-starting professional and semi-professional clubs.
In announcing its proposal, FV said the dates were targets only and are subject to any further advice from federal and state chief health officers and would be revised should such advice about the resumption of sport change.
“Our decision to go public with these dates is indicative of our commitment to ensure that competitive football at all levels returns as soon as possible,” the release said.
“Football Victoria will continue to keep the football community informed and updated in the coming weeks with regard to any developments, especially in regard to the resumption of increased training numbers and, ultimately, the return of competition play.”