Kerry Schoolboys and Girls League season is officially concluded

THE Kerry Schoolboys and Girls soccer season for 2019/20 has been formally called off by the game’s governing body in the county, following a recommendation from the Schoolboys/Girls Football Association of Ireland (SFAI), and news from the FAI that it will be late August before games will be played because of the Covid-19 health crisis.

A statement from the Kerry Schoolboys and Girls League said: “Following correspondence from the FAI stating that all football activity is suspended until July 20 at the earliest and games are not kicking off before August 28, and from the SFAI who have strongly recommended to all Leagues to end their present season, the Management Committee of the VITHIT Kerry Schoolboys and Girls League has decided that the 2019/20 season is now concluded.

“The SFAI has also announced that all their competitions – Skechers National and Regional Cups and Subway Inter-Leagues will not be completed.

The Kennedy Cup tournament has also been cancelled.

“On the Regional competitions in particular this is very disappointing as we had a number of clubs into the semi-finals. The League will ask the SFAI to look again at this decision once the Government’s Return to Sport working group, which includes the FAI’s Medical Expert Dr Alan Byrne, allows.

“Thanks to the cooperation between the clubs and the League’s Fixtures Secretary a number of leagues have already been completed and the Management

Committee has now contacted all clubs regarding the final standings of the various Boys and Girls Divisions and the declaration of the winners and runners-up.

“While this is not what anyone wanted to happen, in the current situation there is no other option. Clubs, coaches, players and parents need this certainty as they begin to plan for the next few months and some return to normality.

“Many of our players have family members on the frontlines and we take this opportunity to thank all those for the work they have been doing and are continuing to do.

“The Kerry Schoolboys Girls League season 2020-21 will begin in the autumn once permission is granted by our governing body and the protocols needed are put in place.”

Meanwhile, the Kerry Schoolboys Girls League AGM, due to take place at the end of June, has been deferred due to Covid-19 restrictions. The AGM will take place at the earlier opportunity with clubs to be notified 28 days in advance.