Following innumerable weeks of inactivity due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Combined Counties Football League (CCFL ), which caters for adult and youth football in the Midlands region resumes this weekend with the ultimate aim being the conclusion of the current 2019/2020 season.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Honorary Secretary, Chris Hand, noted the CCFL committee’s at the league’s resumption.
“The CCFL Committee is delighted to have a resumption of the 2019/2020 season commencing this weekend.
“The committee felt that it was appropriate to offer clubs a choice on whether they wanted to finish the season once the FAI and the Health Authorities said it was safe to do so.
“The committee offered all clubs an opt in, opt out choice and 75 percent of clubs felt that is was safe to return to football as all parts of society try to establish new norms around the presence of COVID-19. The FAI have issued strict protocols surrounding the safe return to football including THE appointment of club COVID officers. The directives must be adhered to so it vital that players and club officials follow the protocols at all times to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The committee have also met with match officials who are fully supportive and committed to the return of the season and the CCFL would like to extend its thanks to all officials who are set to resume also.
“The FAI have given leagues until September 14 to complete the 2019/2020 programme and while this will not permit the CCFL to complete it normal full programme of competitions, the league has planned to complete all the various leagues and a number of key cup competitions in the in the coming weeks. There are some exciting games set to take place between now and the end of the season so best of luck to all involved as the local football season resumes,” Chris asserted.
