WDSL seek views

WDSL Chairman Peter Porter has called on soccer clubs to engage with their parents, players and mentors to ascertain if parents will allow their children to play if the restrictions are lifted so as to be able to work as a unified group in that instance.

‘Firstly, on behalf of myself and our committee I wish all your members, parents and associates good health and safe being in these strange times we find ourselves in. Keep Safe,’ he wrote in an email to clubs this week.

‘‘Like you we are monitoring the notices from Government, HPSC and our governing bodies SFAI/FAI. To date no plan has being submitted to the WDSL on resumption of Football and when clubs resume any new practices to ensure the safety of all from the spread of COVID-19.

‘I would assume signage on social distancing, use of sanitizer by all on entry to grounds and maybe wearing of masks for players could/would/should be implemented.

‘We ask you to engage with your players, parents and mentors to see if the sanctions are lifted and Football can be played, will they return and play. (Some parents may not allow their children to return, thus reducing your squad size). This will allow us then to see what competitions we can play and if we need to change format from 11-a-side to nine-a-side to seven-a-side, we can.

‘Therefore we are looking to get your thoughts and feedback in writing to chair@wdsl.ie or WhatsApp 083 1534477, this will enable us to act where possible on a common trend.

‘Your club’s ability to field teams; Your club’s ability to purchase signage /sanitizer/masks; Your club’s feedback,’ he wrote.