Unfortunately the decision has been made to cancel the National Youth Championships due to be held in September and October 2021.
It will come as no surprise to you that with the current lockdown restrictions in Sydney, and the worsening situation now expanding to Victoria, that this decision has been taken, in consultation with Football Tasmania and all the other Member Federations. It goes without saying that the health, safety and wellbeing of our players (and accompany parents, staff and spectators) comes first. Furthermore, national events of this nature will always be at the mercy of state government decisions and their respective border closures and the logistics and costs involved with last minute cancellations and the ensuing confusion and doubt, and it is simply all too much a risk.
Whilst all the above is disappointing (especially given this is now the second year they have needed to be cancelled), I wish to assure you that Football Tasmania is fully committed to continuing to provide ongoing competition and tournament development opportunities to our identified talented players. To this end, we are currently looking to organise alternative events and activities either here in Tasmania and/or in another state/s to offer an alternate state team program in lieu of the ‘nationals’ - albeit clearly all dependent on the status of COVID restrictions in other jurisdictions. In light of all of the above, when planning these activities, we will take into account club commitments, logistics, the overall calendar of a heavy weighted end of season, and of course any Government’s restrictions at the time, and we will keep you informed as we progress with these plans.
Matt Bulkeley.