A number of Northern NSW Football Member Zones have ended their seasons due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding COVID-19 lockdowns.
Following the announcement on Thursday that lockdown restrictions would continue across regional NSW with stay-at-home orders in place until at least midnight on Friday 10 September, several Member Zones have made decisions regarding their community football competitions.
The Interdistrict Joint Board and managers of Newcastle Football, Hunter Valley Football and Macquarie Football met on Thursday and have ended their Interdistrict season.
Football Far North Coast has ended its MiniRoos season only and will consult with clubs on Wednesday about the remainder of their season.
North Coast Football are looking to continue its season with finals to potentially be played on 11 and 18 September, with further consultation to happen next week.
Northern Inland are also looking for their finals to go ahead with semi-finals on 11 September and grand finals on 18 September for everything except its premier competitions.
Northern Inland premier competitions will continue through to 25 September, with the continuation of local MiniRoos competitions dependant on their location. Consultation with Northern Inland clubs will take place 30 August*
Football Mid North Coast consulted its affiliated clubs on Thursday night. The local board will meet in the near future to discuss feedback received from clubs and determine the fate of the season.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said while the news was disappointing for clubs and players, the decisions had been made by the respective zones with the best interests of the local football community a priority.
“This will no doubt be deflating for all those players, clubs, volunteers and match officials who were looking forward to playing finals matches after a long and challenging season,” Eland said.
“But with the extension of the lockdown restrictions for regional NSW announced yesterday the uncertainty makes it challenging for Member Zones to complete their seasons.
“It is frustrating and disheartening for everyone in the game who has worked so hard to make this season happen and make it what was a successful year on the pitch.
“We hope that next year will bring us an uninterrupted season for our football community to enjoy.”
Northern NSW Football still intends to complete the full seasons of its Premier Competitions.
*Amended 3:32 PM 27/08/21
