Update on suspension of football
Latest update on the suspension of football activities
On the 19th of December Felixstowe & Walton United Football Club announced the suspension of all football activity for a period of 2 weeks and the temporary closure of all facilities.
Within 24 hours the news came that East Suffolk was to be placed into Tier 4, meaning all senior football matches and training were to be paused anyway.
Although grassroots football for those below the age of 18 is technically able to continue, the club made the decision to also suspend all junior football activities, pending regular reviews.
The latest review has now taken place and all football across the club will continue to be suspended and all facilities closed for a further period of 2 weeks. The next review will take place on or around the 18th January.
Chris Daynes, Joint Chairman & Covid Officer commented "Safety is our absolute priority for players, parents, staff and volunteers. Whilst we remain in Tier 4, and Covid cases continue to rise locally, we don't wish to add fuel to the fire by allowing football to continue. There is a stay at home order in place, and with families still kept apart it doesn't sit right with me that dozens of players and parents can meet up to play a close contact sport. It's either safe or it isn't, and therefore it's right that the same decision is made across all parts of the football club. We recognise the impact this decision will have on the mental and physical wellbeing of participants, but we have a responsibility to play our part in decreasing the risk at a time when the virus is surging in our area."
With regards to senior football, League officials are monitoring updates from the FA and DCMS and will announce a date for leagues to restart in due course. The Isthmian League have announced a period of 2 weeks notice will be given prior to any restart to give clubs time to prepare.
We continue to offer grateful thanks to our sponsors and everyone else connected with the club for their support and understanding and we look forward to resuming when it is safe to do so.
Committee of Felixstowe & Walton United FC