Following the recent metropolitan Melbourne season cancellation, Football Victoria (FV) can provide an update on the status of Regional Victorian competitions.
Regional competitions are administered directly by Associations, with the exception of Geelong, which is directly administered by FV.
Like FV, Regional Associations have had to make decisions on their competitions, based on government restrictions, stakeholder feedback and facility availability.
While training is back on in most regional areas, the uncertainty of a date for a return to competition football, means that the majority of Associations have made the difficult decision to cancel their seasons.
FV can also confirm that, following stakeholder consultation, the decision has now been made to cancel all Geelong competitions for the 2021 season.
As a result of the incomplete season and in line with metropolitan Melbourne, no champions/runner-ups will be awarded in Geelong competitions this season.
The current status of competitions within each Association is outlined below.
|
Geelong Region |
Season cancelled |
|
Ballarat & District Soccer Association |
Season cancelled |
|
Bendigo Amateur Soccer League |
Season cancelled |
|
Albury Wodonga Football Association |
Season cancelled |
|
South West Victoria Football Association |
Season cancelled |
|
Gippsland Soccer League |
Season cancelled |
|
Latrobe Valley Soccer League |
Season cancelled |
|
Swan Hill Soccer League |
Season cancelled |
|
Moama Echuca Soccer Association |
Intention to conclude season if possible |
|
Shepparton Junior Soccer Association |
Home and Away Season cancelled, Finals to take place if deemed possible |
|
Football Federation Sunraysia |
Home and Away Season cancelled, Finals to take place if deemed possible |
|
Cobram Junior Soccer Association |
Season completed |
Football Victoria CEO, Kimon Taliadoros, praised the efforts of all involved in football across regional Victoria.
“Regional Associations and Clubs have worked tirelessly to keep football operating safely in 2021 and the dedication and effort they have delivered for our game cannot be praised highly enough.
“While this update is disappointing, demand for football across Victoria continues to grow and we are committed to working side by side with our Associations to deliver a great football experience, when it is safe to do so.”
FV will continue to provide Return to Training/Play Conditions updates for both Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, to ensure Clubs can take part in spring and summer football programs.
As soon as we have a return to competition roadmap across spring/summer, different formats of our game will be on offer, particularly for junior participants. FV are committed to providing football when possible, including our popular GO Fives/GO Sevens and Futsal programs. FV will provide these formats for Geelong, who we administer directly and as in the past, other regional Associations will also provide opportunities to play.
FV will provide information for Clubs and participants in Regional competitions related to FV’s component of fees, within the 2021 Fee Refund Policy, scheduled for release tomorrow, Friday, 17 September.
Our COVID-19 FAQs provide answers to key areas related to this announcement.
If you have any specific questions in relation to the above, please contact your Regional Association.
For Geelong competitions, please contact competitions@footballvictoria.com.au.