Sunday Leagues getting ready to return
Following the impending relaxation of lockdown laws Sunday Leagues are busy organising the return of football for their teams.
Here we have a look at how some of the Leagues in the South East have already reacted to a possible April return.
OBDSFL
“The fixtures have been updated and are scheduled for 4th April.”
Some fixtures booked in from 4th April are Double Bankers.
There is a League meeting on the 25th February where further plans will be discussed.
WESFA
“We will still try to finish the 2019/20 cup finals as promised, please bare with us though as we are currently doing the fixture planning to finish this season. Once we know what the schedule looks like we will be in contact with finalists/semi-finalists to sort a plan with them.”
North Kent Sunday Football League
“We’re working away behind the scenes towards a safe restart of fixtures for our clubs, the management committee will look to share this as soon as practically possible. In the meantime stay safe, we’ll be back soon”
Ashford & District Sunday Football League
“After looking at all the options available, the League Council met last night to discuss the matter and have decided that due to the number of fixtures outstanding, that with immediate effect the 2020/21 league season will be declared null and void. With some clubs having only played as few as three league games so far this season it would be unrealistic to arrange all outstanding fixtures in the time available, and would have meant a significant amount of evening-midweek fixtures would have be required to complete the schedule.”
“However, considering the appetite from a large population of players and clubs for a return of Sunday morning football, the Fixtures Secretary has proposed to restart both the Bodkin Cup (Premier Division and Division One) and the Sheber Trophy (Division Two and Division Three) with an initial ‘Champions League’ style group stage format. These two competitions are proposed to commence and be played between Sunday 11th April and Sunday 30th May 2021 and would allow teams to arrange training and friendly fixtures in the two-weeks prior to competitive football resuming.”
Croydon Municipal
“Along with all local leagues we are working hard to get you all back on the pitch. Once the government announcement has been made and county FAs confirm cup details we will update you all. Your patience is appreciated.”
Southern Sunday Football League
In order for any return to football to work, teams MUST:
1️⃣ Be flexible on venues for home games
2️⃣ Be willing to play AM and PM
3️⃣ Play matches in midweek if possible
4️⃣ Follow covid-19 guidelines as the virus is still with us
5️⃣ Play double headers
Maidstone & Mid Kent Sunday Football League
“Following the announcement by the Government the MMKSFL has been given the go ahead to resume the beautiful game, make sure you are prepared as these games will be coming thick and fast
We deliberately set the League out with 4 smaller divisions in an attempt to complete all these fixtures as we anticipated some stoppages throughout the 2020-2021 season.
We are sorry to announce that all cup competitions for season 2020-2021 have been cancelled”
Metropolitan Sunday Football League
“Finally some Electric light bulb at the end of the tunnel.”
“Thank you to all the teams that joined us on our zoom meeting just last week. As discussed in the meeting + like all leagues, our committee have been working hard behind the scenes to arrange the rest of the season.”
“All clubs please check your inboxes if you have not already. As promised – fixtures are out! Of course in anticipation we will be allowed to continue – we will follow gov guidelines and delay if needed.”