Tasmania’s most popular junior team sport is back on pitches in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart this weekend, with the 2020 junior football season finally kicking off after being delayed by COVID-19.
Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff officially started the season at Churchill Park in Launceston this morning, blowing the opening whistle to commence 10 junior matches simultaneously at the northern football hub. Close to 1,000 players from more than 100 teams will play at Churchill Park today.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said seeing so many children enjoying the World Game again was a great reward for the entire football community.
“While the pandemic has been a huge challenge for football, like all community sports, the willingness of the entire football community to band together and overcome the obstacles to getting back on the pitch has been a silver-lining.
“The 2020 season wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of all the volunteers, clubs and associations who have put in so many hours to make the return to football safe in the current circumstances.
“On behalf of the entire Tasmanian football family I wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in rebooting football so players and families can again enjoy the vast array of health and social benefits playing the sport provides.
“I’d also like to thank our 2020 junior competition partners MyState Bank and Southern Cross Austero for their roles in helping get junior players back on the pitch safely and in time to fit in a meaningful season.
“Junior football hubs such as Churchill Park are a weekend Mecca for football families, with thousands converging here each weekend of the season to enjoy our great game both on and off the pitch.
“There’s certainly been a void in the lives of many without this weekend ritual over the past few months, but finally the football itch has been scratched for kids and parents alike and they can return to enjoying a healthy and connected life through football.
Northern Tasmania Junior Soccer Association (NTJSA) Operations Manager Dale Rigby said after months of uncertainty the opportunity to complete a season was an exciting prospect.
“Rebooting football has taken a big effort from everyone, but all the hard work is worth it when you see the joy kids get from being back on the pitch,” Mr Rigby said.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the NTJSA for their understanding and dedication to seeing football return, especially our Groundsman and Admin Manager who have worked around the clock to make it happen.
“The NTJSA is also extremely grateful for the assistance and co-operation of the Launceston City Council, who have been great in getting the grounds ready for safe use, and the Northern Tasmanian
Softball Association who have kindly allowed us to extend our season into the warmer months when they would normally have control of Churchill Park.”
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said seeing so many children enjoying the World Game again was a great reward for the entire football community.
“While the pandemic has been a huge challenge for football, like all community sports, the willingness of the entire football community to band together and overcome the obstacles to getting back on the pitch has been a silver-lining.
“The 2020 season wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of all the volunteers, clubs and associations who have put in so many hours to make the return to football safe in the current circumstances.
“On behalf of the entire Tasmanian football family I wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in rebooting football so players and families can again enjoy the vast array of health and social benefits playing the sport provides.
“I’d also like to thank our 2020 junior competition partners MyState Bank and Southern Cross Austero for their roles in helping get junior players back on the pitch safely and in time to fit in a meaningful season.
“Junior football hubs such as Churchill Park are a weekend Mecca for football families, with thousands converging here each weekend of the season to enjoy our great game both on and off the pitch.
“There’s certainly been a void in the lives of many without this weekend ritual over the past few months, but finally the football itch has been scratched for kids and parents alike and they can return to enjoying a healthy and connected life through football.
Northern Tasmania Junior Soccer Association (NTJSA) Operations Manager Dale Rigby said after months of uncertainty the opportunity to complete a season was an exciting prospect.
“Rebooting football has taken a big effort from everyone, but all the hard work is worth it when you see the joy kids get from being back on the pitch,” Mr Rigby said.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the NTJSA for their understanding and dedication to seeing football return, especially our Groundsman and Admin Manager who have worked around the clock to make it happen.
“The NTJSA is also extremely grateful for the assistance and co-operation of the Launceston City Council, who have been great in getting the grounds ready for safe use, and the Northern Tasmanian
Softball Association who have kindly allowed us to extend our season into the warmer months when they would normally have control of Churchill Park.”