Crowds allowed – footy is back!
• Teenagers Connor Brown and Jordan Harper will be two players aiming for senior selection this year.
By Peter Fish
June 17, 2020
An announcement from the State Government that it expects that community sport will be able to resume with crowds of up to 500 people (subject to density rules and public health advice) on the 26th of June will strengthen a bid by eight NTFA clubs to commence an abbreviated 2020 season.
AFL Tas chief Trisha Squires welcomed the government’s announcement.
“This is obviously exciting news and we will work with State Government to understand the specifics of this announcement and what it means for our sport and our competitions,” Ms Squires said.
“We will work closely with Leagues and Associations over the coming days to have more information to share with the football community.”
Representatives from the Scottsdale, Deloraine, Bracknell, Bridgenorth, Rocherlea, Meander Valley, Old Launcestonians and University clubs have been meeting to plan a way forward and are expected to put their views to the NTFA this week.
Scottsdale president Cameron Moore said he was increasingly confident that matches could start by the end of July.
“If this can happen it would be great news for our players and supporters,” he said.
Training will be held Thursday this week when coach Ethan Petterwood will outline the current situation.
Meanwhile junior football will definitely start on the July 18 weekend.
The NTJFA has put in place a 10 week season plus finals.
Scottsdale’s Director of Junior Football Ange Hall said that training will start this week for all teams.
Times are as follows: U/9& U/10s Sunday 2-3pm; U/11 girls Thursday at 5pm; U/12 boys Sunday at 2pm; U/14 Boys Thursday at 5pm; and U/14 Girls Sunday at 2pm.
“These times and days may change in the next couple weeks once restrictions ease again, and coaches will keep players informed of any changes,” Mrs Hall said.
Under Return for Training Stage 2 protocols changerooms will not be open, and children need to come dressed ready for training. Parents must drop their children off and come back to collect them. Alternatively they can stay in their car and observe.
Children’s temperatures will be taken, and sanitiser will be available before and after training.