The Victorian Government has announced that statewide COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have been extended from 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has declared that almost all of the current lockdown restrictions will remain in place until 70 per cent of Victorians have had at least one dose of vaccine. This is estimated to be around 23 September 2021. The Victorian Government has said it will consider easing restrictions in parts of regional Victoria next week.
What this means for community football
No community club football training, competition or Auskick is permitted to take place in the state until restrictions are lifted.
While the health and safety of the community comes first, this is clearly a very disappointing development for many leagues, clubs, players, coaches, umpires and volunteers across community football who were hoping to return to play soon, and now face further significant challenges.
The entire community football network has done an incredible job bringing football back in 2021 after the cancelled season, and keeping this season going through numerous disruptions.
AFL Central Victoria will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and advocate for what community football needs if and when we are able to return in regional and metropolitan areas. We will also provide whatever support we can to leagues and associations who plan to return to play in 2021.
A major focus for AFL Central Victoria is supporting all stakeholders across community football to retain participants and transition to the 2022 season.
We will provide any further updates relevant to community football when they become available.
Links:
- Statement from the Victorian Premier: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/slowing-spread-and-keeping-our-state-safe
- Updated Table of Restrictions: https://cdnaflvic.performancecrew.com.au/raw/vicgovt-210901-table-of-restrictions.pdf