How football is coping with the coronavirus
WITH the coronavirus pandemic affecting many people’s lives in different ways, it’s a tough time for North Wales football clubs.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has extended its suspension of domestic football at all levels in Wales until at least April 30 due to coronavirus.
The FAW have indefinitely extended the season for all national leagues, national cup competitions and the Futsal League.
The FAW say “every possible option” is being looked at to conclude the season.
“The most important priority for the FAW is the health and wellbeing of everyone,” said a statement.
Originally the FAW had suspended domestic football until April 4.
Cymru North side Rhyl FC have already admitted they would need significant external help if the club is to survive the financial impact caused by the coronavirus.
The Lilywhites agreed monthly payments for their ground, Belle Vue, back in December to cover operation costs.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel after the club announced the relaunch of their 200 Club, which is a monthly draw with a total of £400 worth of prize money on offer.
The cost per month is £5 and the rest of the money goes towards the Lilywhites’ running costs.
But with Cymru North games being postponed, it leaves clubs without significant income in the near future with no certainty over when games will next be played.
Here, the Herald looks at the situation through the eyes of one of the many whose footballing lives are affected by the current situation: Phil Jones, chairman of Cymru North side Porthmadog.
Port, who play at Y Traeth, have struggled on the pitch this season and are in 15th place having won just four of their 24 league games this season.
Off the pitch, the club hosts numerous community activities including fun football sessions, free football, after school clubs, holiday clubs, goalkeeper turn up and play, Huddle and school curriculum sessions.
Jones says he doesn’t expect any football to be played domestically until at least late summer.
“To be honest, we’ve pretty much written the season off until August,” he said.
“I can’t see any football being played until then, that’s my personal opinion.
“It’s going to be very hard to finish the season off and I think things are going to get worse before they get better.”
With regards to club finances, Mr Jones says the main concern is over the club’s sponsors and suppliers and pledged to do whatever they can to help them over the coming months.
“The financial implications for the club aren’t terrible but we’ve got our sponsors and people who advertise with us, who have been brilliant with us over the years and have been with us through thick and thin, so anything we can do to support them, we will,” he said.
“The club shop can still take orders online but we hire the clubhouse out to host private events and they’ve had to be cancelled too.”
For further details on the club, go to the official website at: porth madogfc.com.