Conflicting statements stymie the early return of Kerry Schoolboys / Girls League
PLANS for the phased return of the beautiful game sounds a welcome chord for the players and officials of the Kerry Schoolboys/Girls League. However, there is some confusion in relation to the timed return of Schoolboys/Girls Soccer following two separate announcements from the FAI and the SFAI.
Firmly established as one of the most dynamic and professionally run sporting organisations in Kerry, the League caters for a phenomenal 146 teams. Of these 63 teams play at 7 and 9-a-side while 83 teams play the full 11 a-side from Under-13 grade upwards. The Girls League has grown in stature over the years and has seen unprecedented growth. It now has 38 teams in Leagues from Under-11 to Under-17.
Last week, the FAI announced its gradual plans to return to soccer with young players in Kerry set to see a bright light at the end of the sporting tunnel. On Saturday,
May 16 the FAI outlined their plans for the return of underage football which was welcomed by the Kerry Schoolboys/ Girls League.
In an email to all clubs the FAI said they are committed to a return to football for all players, staff, match officials, administrators, volunteers and supporters as soon as it is safe and possible under the guidance of the HSE, the Department of Health, Sport Ireland, NHPET and UEFA.
The FAI added that the health and safety of all stakeholders is at the core of all FAI decisions in relation to a safer return to football and remains subject to change on the advice of Government agencies, UEFA and the FAI Medical Team, led by Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne.
Dr Byrne has been appointed by Sport Ireland to the Medical Advisory Group, established to review the various sporting protocols for a return to action.
Dr Byrne’s advice to clubs was not to return to training following Phase One of the Government Roadmap on Monday, May 18. He has advised clubs not to open their grounds and pitches, even to groups of four, and not to consider collective training or playing football until the medical evidence suggests otherwise.
“Decisive actions by our clubs now will improve the chances of a safer return to football for everyone. We must take small and deliberate steps before we can allow all football to return,” Dr Byrne said.
The Football Association of Ireland has instructed the cessation of all football under the jurisdiction of the FAI to be extended to July 20. All clubs are advised not to facilitate any organised training, including in groups of up to four, under Phase One of the Government’s Roadmap for
Re-opening Society and Business. Under Phase Four of the Roadmap, all underage clubs can begin their return to training programmes from July 20, subject to FAI protocols to be agreed with Government agencies.
Under Phase Five of the Government’s Roadmap, all underage clubs can return to full collective training from August 10. All underage clubs can return to playing from August 28. Regional, provincial and national competitions in season 2019/20 can return from August 28 with FAI approval. The 2020 Summer Leagues can return on August 28 and will be provided with support to create a shortened schedule to run up to December 13. All decisions around a return to collective training and playing for all underage football will be based on the health and safety of all players, coaches, match officials, administrators and club volunteers. All decisions will be subject to change on the advice of Government agencies, UEFA and the FAI Medical Team, led by Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne.
Speaking to The Kerryman last week following the announcement of the FAI guidelines, Padraig Harnett ( pictured), chairman of the Kerry Schoolboys/Girls League, said he personally hoped that these dates could be brought forward if the Covid-19 virus continues to be overcome.
“Soccer clubs are run by very responsible people who always put player welfare first. Therefore, I know they would have no problem introducing the social distancing and hygiene protocols needed for training to return and the coaching skills in both the League and clubs would see a range of drills developed to avoid any contact,” Mr Harnett said.
“I believe that as soon as we can get our young players back on the soccer fields the better. This will also be a huge