With football across the country now back and underway, I thought it appropriate to reach out and send a couple of key messages to everyone involved in our game.
Firstly, congratulations and a big thank you to the many all district, clubs, officials, volunteers, fans and to all the parents and players for the manner in which they have all collectively worked together to get our players back on the pitch.
At times, it felt as if the whole 2020 season might have been lost to COVID-19, however, the manner in which we have all cooperated and worked to implement and follow the Government’s Public Health Order and, in turn, both our ‘Return to Training’ and then our ‘Return to Play’ Guidelines has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having visited a number of community football games over the past few weekends, it has been refreshing and rewarding to see the smiles and joy on the faces of so many of our players, both young and old.
That said, I must provide a strong and timely warning against complacency and a reminder of the need to maintain vigilance in following all the required social distancing measures, particularly when attending training and football matches. Clearly, we do not want a second outbreak and certainly do not want to experience what is happening in some countries. It is a reminder that we are not over this pandemic yet. As a community activity, and one that brings so much joy and happiness to so many, we do not want to contribute to the further spread of the virus by letting our guard down now. By doing so, we run the risk of the re-imposition of tighter restrictions, including the potential that community sporting activities will again be suspended.
As such, we all have to be responsible for our own actions, and everyone needs to do their bit in working with our district associations and clubs and complying with the measures that they are putting in place. This particularly applies to:
- maintaining physical distancing of at least 1 metre;
- not congregating in large groups whilst at training or games;
- practicing proper hand washing and coughing/sneezing hygiene;
- All back to play guidelines and restrictions to be strictly followed.
Over the next few days, Fiji Football will be providing more resources and information highlighting these key messages and it is incumbent on all of us to both follow these directions and ensure others at games do the same.
Unless we all do our part, there is a very real risk that community sporting activities will be once more suspended, and I am sure none of us want this. In the meantime, stay safe, healthy, comply with all the advice and enjoy your football.
