07/11/2020
July 10, 2020
Parents, Players and Coaches
After careful consideration of all current information on the COVID 19 pandemic and the effect on the 2020 soccer season, it is with regret that the Executive Board has to inform you of the cancellation of the 2020 season.
Currently most of the Province is in stage 2 of the recovery process. There is indication that certain parts of the Province may move to stage 3 of recovery soon. There is no indication of when Niagara may be included in the stage 3 of the plan. In reality, even being in stage 3, would not allow us to run a soccer season. We would actually need the removal of social distancing and large gatherings of greater than 100 people, to run a soccer season close to what we are used to, and not be in contravention of any Provincial or Municipal regulations. There is no indication that either of these restrictions will be lifted anytime soon.
In a normal season, it takes around 90 days to develop teams, schedules, train referees etc. We were somewhat confident that if we got the go ahead, we could do this in about 30 to 45 days.
Our original plan, in the early stages of the pandemic was to run a shortened season starting hopefully mid- July to the end of September. It became apparent in the early part of June that, this was a very optimistic goal, and that early August to mid- October would seem to be more realistic.
Given the 30 to 45 day timeline, as noted above, we would therefore need the go-ahead by the first of July. Here we are in the early part of July and we are still awaiting the go-ahead. As we look, south of the border, and see what is happening, it has become abundantly clear that the go ahead will not be coming anytime soon.
In light of the situation, we will be issuing each paid registration a credit towards the 2021 season. Your children will be able to play in the 2021 season for 2020 rates.
We are anticipating that our registration fees will be increasing by at least $25.00 per player next season, but that increase won't apply to anyone that rolled over their 2020 registration to the 2021 season.
For those that are not in a position to roll over their 2020 registration fees, we fully understand. If you would like a refund of your registration fees, we would ask that you send your request, via email, by July 30, 2020. Please be aware that our refund policy would still apply.
Should you have any additional inquiries, we are available by email.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in the spring of 2021.
Port Weller Soccer League
