MEDIA RELEASE
THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER
Football Tasmania calls for council support in 2021 season
In an open letter to mayors, Football Tasmania has called on Tasmanian local councils to continue offering COVID-19 sporting ground-hire relief in the 2021 season.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley thanked local councils for offering fee relief to community sports, but warned that the financial impacts of COVID would affect clubs and associations for years to come.
“While the immediate health risks of the pandemic in Tasmania may have subsided, community sports organisations are still suffering financially,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“This may continue to be the case for years to come, as lower than forecasted player registrations and reduced gate and canteen takings in 2020 are set to be compounded by uncertainty regarding how the 2021 season will play out.
“Thankfully with the support and co-operation of local councils and the dedication of the football community, all Football Tasmania competitions were able to go ahead in 2020, albeit in many cases at a reduced capacity.
“On behalf of the Tasmanian football community, I’d like to thank the councils who did everything they could to ensure a season could go ahead in 2020, including reducing ground hire and maintenance fees and being flexible with scheduling arrangements between winter and summer sports.
“This understanding of the value community sport brings to your municipalities not only helped our clubs and associations stay afloat, but also made sure that your residents were able to continue to enjoy a healthy and connected life through playing sport.
“Disappointingly, some councils did not provide any fee relief to football, placing the viability of clubs and associations in their areas in jeopardy.
“With planning for next season now well underway, on behalf of all Tasmanian football clubs and associations I would ask each council to offer ground hire fee relief again in 2021 and ensure these clubs are able to continue providing a valuable community service in sport.”
Media contact: David Abbott, Font PR, 0400 446 736