With the current Covid restrictions having been extended until at least 12.01am on Saturday 28 August 2021, the SSFA has no additional allocated weekends for us to play any more games of football. Even if the NSW Government was to end the lockdown on that date, indications are that they will likely follow last year’s plan in easing restrictions in a staggered manner; meaning it is unlikely that football matches will be able to be played until late September at the earliest (by which time summer sports should hopefully be in play).
Therefore, following a meeting of Clubs (held on Friday 30 July) the SSFA and its member Clubs made the difficult decision to abandon the remainder of the 2021 season. While we would all dearly love to be able to play football on the weekends, the health and wellbeing of our players and the general community is paramount
Accordingly, the SSFA Executive Committee would also like to advise of the following: –
2021 Champions
Minor Premiers will be declared in all competitive divisions (U12 and above) based on the competition tables as they currently stand, adjusted where full rounds have not been completed for all teams in the same division. Each club will be advised of those teams that have been crowned Minor Premiers and will be provided relevant medallions as soon as possible.
Perpetual Trophies
SSFA perpetual trophies will again not be awarded for the 2021 season.
Financial Considerations
As with the 2020 season, the SSFA will be working with all stakeholders to understand what the impact of this shortened 2021 season is on the financial position of the clubs after any cost savings are achieved. The SSFA will continue to lobby FNSW and FA for a reduction in insurance costs and registration fees as was undertaken last year; when funds were able to be returned to clubs.
The SSFA will work with our 26 Clubs to consider alternatives and funding models (including rebates, discount vouchers, etc.) that might be relevant for clubs to apply to their members. If you have any questions please contact the club with which you registered.
State Cup and Champion of Champions
FNSW have not yet made a decision on the continuation of the State Cup or the running of the Champion of Champions. Clubs will be advised as further information comes to hand.
Conclusion
The SSFA would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers at each of your clubs for the hard work that they have undertaken to ensure everybody is registered, that all players have a team, that everybody was able to get onto the pitch each weekend before Covid again struck, and to also manage the issues that have again arisen due to said Covid. It has been a very difficult time for all of these volunteers (in addition to their own personal issues) and we thank them for their tireless dedication and perseverance.
Thanks again for the patience and understanding of all participants, volunteers, officials and supporters during these challenging times and we hope to see you all back for the 2022 season – a year free of the COVID-19 shadow. In the meantime if you have any questions please contact your registered club.
Matt Brady Jeff Stewart
SSFA President SSFA General Manager
