Tasmanian soccer expected to bounce back after COVID-19 cut numbers in 2020

Soccer participation was hit hard by COVID-19 last year but one part of the state bucked that trend, says Tassie soccer boss.

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TASMANIAN soccer is set to rebound strongly after an interrupted COVID-19 season in 2020 that saw participation drop by 20 per cent in all sectors of the World Game in the state except one.

A survey by EMRS revealed 13 per cent of Tasmanian households were directly involved in local football matches in 2020, down from 20 per cent in 2019.

One Tasmanian electorate bucked the trend, with 21 per cent of Franklin households participating in the World Game last year, up from 19 per cent in 2019.

Football Tasmania boss Bob Gordon said higher household involvement in Franklin was an encouraging sign that the World Game’s popularity was spreading outside of major population centres.

Soccer Summer Cup at KGV. Olympia V South Hobart. (L-R) Nicholas Mearns of Olympia with the ball. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“The continued growth of football in Franklin has been very exciting to be a part of,” Gordon said.

“While football is traditionally strong around urban centres, three of Tasmania’s largest and fastest growing clubs – Kingborough Lions, Clarence Zebras and Olympia Warriors – all now play out of Franklin.”

Gordon has no doubt the game will bounce back strongly this season.

“We’re expecting a substantial increase in participants as excitement builds for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which will be turbocharged if Launceston’s host-city bid is successful,” he said.

“The recent expansion of the Women’s Super League and hopes for a continued decrease in the Covid threat also point towards an exciting year ahead for the World Game in Tasmania.

“I encourage everyone who has ever thought about pulling the boots on and playing a season to visit the Football Tasmania website and find their local club to ask about training and registration.”