The Carlow & District Soccer League have decided to call time on this season due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
In a statement, they say “The Committee have made a decision not to complete the 2019/20 season as it poses many problems for Clubs, Coaches, Managers, players, referees and Volunteers”.
Most Clubs have asked to draw a line under the 2019/20 season and focus on reenergising our clubs for the 20/21 season.
They say “It is our belief and that of most Club Committees that a lot of effort will be required to put the infrastructure and processes in place for a return to soccer in September. The fact is the 2019/20 season is broken and beyond repair. Six months will have passed by the time the league would have returned to action in August. This would mean going straight into a new season in October and effectively asking players to play for 10 months straight which could possibly be damaging to player’s health. We are all adjusting to the present situation’ and no doubt we will have to adjust even further when it comes to playing again in September”.
The FAI steering group led by Doctor Alan Byrne is working with the HSE and various Government departments regarding regulations around social distancing and how it can be applied by leagues and clubs.
The Carlow League will now concentrate on providing as much information to its clubs on the formation of the 2021 season.
In the statement, they add “Information regarding regulations relating to specific structures around social distancing and players welfare’ is key to getting our new season underway. We know that some clubs and players will be disappointed with our decision not to finish the current campaign’ but as things stand it wasn’t possible to complete the season without comprising player’s health”.
The FAI Steering Group will announce specific guidelines in the coming weeks on what structures leagues and clubs will have to put in place before there is any return to soccer, as we have already stated the health and welfare of players, club committee members, referees and volunteers is the most important issue.
A decision in relation to a safer return to football remains subject to change on the advice of Government agencies, UEFA and the FAI.
Carlow & District League say “Hopefully we can get back to playing football come the month of September”
