Mike “We’re all excited and delighted”
The South Yorkshire Ability Counts League gets back into action on Sunday, December 13th, when Match Day Two of the 5-a-side competition kicks off at Goals Sheffield.
www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com will be building up to the restart in the coming week, but our editor, Margaret Gregory took time out to ask SYACL Chairman Mike Stylianou about the arrangements for next Sunday, which, sadly CAN still not allow spectators.
The website will offer the latest news, views, and reports on the action, but Margaret started by asking Mike about his reaction to the restart.
Mike: We’re all excited and delighted that now lockdown has been lifted and permission granted, that the 5-a-side teams are able to return to League fixtures on the 13th December, at Sheffield Goals Centre.
SYACL: We’ll be going ahead without spectators though, which is unfortunate but essential. This is all about minimising the risk of transmission to our vulnerable adults, I guess?
Mike: Exactly. Although it’s frustrating and sad that spectators are still not allowed to attend on match days, the overriding factor is the safety of all our members. Many of our players are vulnerable to the virus, especially those playing 5-a-side, and have recently been shielding. It is essential to minimise the risks of transmitting the virus and so by reducing the amount of people at the venues that allows for safer distancing between each other.
SYACL: Any planned changes to how the first round of matches were managed at Goals Sheffield back in October?
Mike: The format for League matches will remain as before, with most teams playing their matches back-to-back and organised staggered kick off times. The arrangements will continue as before, teams will have scheduled arrival and departure times and all players, team officials and League officials will be temperature checked and offered sanitiser on arrival.
SYACL: The League website will be publishing up to date match day advice ahead of next week. Any last words for the players, coaches and officials, Mike?
Mike: We hope that everyone remains safe and healthy throughout this difficult period; we understand and appreciate that normal routines have, and will continue to, cause difficulties and challenges to many of our members. Ultimately our aim this season is to continue to offer our players the opportunity to continue playing competitive matches, in an environment that is as safe as possible, under current circumstances.
www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com will be updating the arrangements for Sunday on our website well in advance of next Sunday.
In the meantime, thanks to Mike, Darren, and Sean for their hard work in getting the games on, and we wish everyone every success.
Don’t forget – you can follow us on Twitter @SYorksACL.
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 