During the current pandemic, AFL Central Victoria’s number one priority has continued to be the health and wellbeing of its clubs, players, officials, and volunteers across the region. Acutely aware of the mental and physical benefits a return to community sport offered, our primary objective has been to offer junior participation opportunities in 2020 provided it was in a safe, achievable, and sustainable manner. We are extremely grateful that we were able to offer a return to community sport in some form this year, albeit brief, and witnessed the enjoyment it brought so many during this difficult period.
As we advised last week, due to the spike in local Covid-19 cases, all matches and trainings across the region were halted. Together with recent announcements of Stage 3 restrictions to Regional Victoria by the State Government, today we regrettably announce the difficult yet necessary decision that the Bendigo Junior Football League (BJFL), Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) and AFL Central Victoria Netball Competition will not resume in 2020.
We extend our sincere thanks to all of our hardworking member clubs and Presidents, including their dedicated and passionate players, coaches and officials, volunteers, committees, members, supporters, along with all valued sponsors of AFL Central Victoria and the Bendigo FNL/Bendigo JFL, for their continued support and understanding during these challenging and unprecedented circumstances. AFL Central Victoria also extends its thanks to the Bendigo Umpires Association, all local Cricket Associations and Councils for their cooperation and flexibility demonstrated to explore all possible opportunities to return to competition safely in 2020.
Recent spikes in transmission of the virus have clearly demonstrated this pandemic is far from over, therefore we all need to continue to play our role in reducing the spread and risk of transmission.
First and foremost, the immediate health and wellbeing of everybody associated with football, netball and our local communities in general within the Central Victorian region remains our priority, and when the time is right we look forward to working with all clubs in planning for a successful 2021 season.