Local footy returns this weekend

COMMUNITY footy is back across the Geelong region this weekend, following the Victorian Government’s announcement that the lockdown would lift in regional Victoria from 11.59pm today.

The change means community football competitions for all ages and Auskick in regional Victoria can resume as of tomorrow (Tuesday, August 10), while the following must be adhered to as per Victorian Government restrictions:

• Only the minimum number of participants (players, coaches, referees, officials, and carers or parents) needed to train or compete are permitted to attend, subject to a density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm, and
• Spectators are not permitted (excludes people necessary for events such as teachers, instructors, trainers, coaches, umpires, carers, parents and guardians).

The lockdown remains in place in metropolitan Melbourne.

In a statement this afternoon, AFL Victoria said it would continue to be guided by the Victorian Government and health authorities.

“It is great that football is back in Regional Victoria and tens of thousands of players are able to get back onto the field, but not having spectators allowed does create challenges.

“AFL Victoria will continue to work closely with the government and health authorities to advocate for what community football needs, while the health and safety of the community remains a priority.

“We will update stakeholders with further information regarding restrictions and protocols for community football and Auskick, when available, on the AFL Victoria website. This includes Return to Play documents, which will be updated once the state government has updated the protocols.”

As the TAC Road Safety Round was unable to go ahead over the weekend of August 6-8, regional clubs are encouraged to don the blue armbands this weekend.

All metro clubs are invited to band together and wear the armbands before the end of the 2021 season when they get back on the field.