Mixed outcome for soccer clubs

Horsham and District Soccer Club has joined the list of Wimmera sporting clubs cancelling winter competitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Club committee members made the ‘very difficult decision’ to withdraw from the Ballarat and District Soccer Association 2020 season and cancel all official training to help mitigate the risk of transmitting the virus.

The club was set to enter a men’s division one as well as under-13 and under-17 teams in the competition.

President Jo-anne Bates said strict physical-distancing measures would put too much pressure on an already small team of volunteers at the club.

“This decision is about the safety of the players, committee members and the broader community,” she said.

“We only have a handful of volunteers within our club.

“That makes it difficult to ask them to deal with their own personal lives and step up and carry on with those requirements.”

Ms Bates said the club’s focus was now on season 2021.

She reminded players to be mindful of physical-distancing measures at social training sessions.

“It is the goal that our club can move forward into 2021 with a safe and healthy playing environment for all players, members and the community, ensuring that our club can remain sustainable into 2021 and beyond,” she said.

“We know that many players are arranging their own social training sessions, which is a great way to remain fit and keep the spirit of soccer going.

“It is important to be aware that any groups meeting to play on Dudley Cornell Park or elsewhere will not be endorsed by Horsham and District Soccer Club as official training.”

Stawell Pioneers Soccer Club is still set to compete in the South West Victoria Football Association competition, which will make a comeback in July for both junior and senior teams.

Hockey decision

Wimmera Hockey Association executive members will discuss the future of the 2020 season at a meeting tonight.

The association, considering the latest lifting of state COVID-19 restrictions, will announce findings to its representative clubs shortly after the meeting.

Latest restriction guidelines have allowed the association to consider options for the 2020 winter season.

Dimboola, Horsham, Kaniva, Nhill, Warracknabeal and Yanac clubs are consulting members to gain feedback on what options are available to them.