The COVID-19 outbreak has clearly affected us all.

That said, and as I am sure you would all agree and appreciate, we all play our part in minimising its spread so as to bring it under control as soon as practically possible. Parallel to all government and community announcements about ‘social distancing’, good hygiene practices, football and indeed all sport has a role to play amongst our members and all involved in the game.

To this end, today our National Governing Body, Football Federation Australia (FFA) has released an updated Circular (Circular No 20-06 – CLICK HERE), suspending all Football NSW Competitions and community football activities (i.e. below A-League and W-League), effective from 12:00am on 18 March 2020 until 14 April 2020.

What does this mean for our competitions and your club?

• Effective immediately, all games, training and other football activities must cease;
• Where possible, unnecessary meetings and other gatherings should either cease or be minimised. I suggest that you look to alternative forms of meeting (teleconferences) or by utilising other forms of technology (e.g. Skype).
• All Football NSW and grassroots competitions and leagues will be suspended until 14 April 2020.
• Any football activity which takes place during this period is not sanctioned by Football NSW and, therefore, the Personal Accident insurance cover that is provided as part of a player’s registration may not apply.

As you would appreciate, we are in regular contact with FFA and relevant government agencies, and we are all committed to keeping you informed and up to date in these rapidly changing times.