Clubs across Calderdale left in the dark as grassroots football is suspended

Amateur clubs across Calderdale are facing an uncertain end to the season after all grassroots football was suspended due to the coronavirus.
Saturday's game between Sowerby United (green) and Illingworth St Mary's was one of the last to be played in Calderdale for the forseeable futureSaturday's game between Sowerby United (green) and Illingworth St Mary's was one of the last to be played in Calderdale for the forseeable future
Saturday's game between Sowerby United (green) and Illingworth St Mary's was one of the last to be played in Calderdale for the forseeable future

Last weekend saw the last round of action for the foreseeable future, leaving leagues and cup competitions unfinished.

“I think we’ve got to go with the flow and do what everyone else is doing,” said Midgley boss Craig Gee.

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“It’s a very strange situation and I’ve no idea what’s going to happen now. If it gets cancelled you’d have to feel for the likes of Sowerby Bridge and Crossleys (leaders of the Premier Division and the First Division).

“We’ll just have to see what happens over the next few weeks.

Sport is a big part of my life so it does seem weird but I suppose it’s the same for a lot of people.”

Joe Connor, who plays for Calder Valley Sunday League Division One side Woodhouse, said: “I think the decision (to suspend grassroots football) is the correct one.

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“Players have families and we can’t have someone getting infected on a Sunday taking it home and infecting their families, especially if they live with elderly relatives.

“The postponement should last as long as necessary to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Depending on how long the postponement last will determine how this affects the season, I’d personally like to see the season extended into the summer if at all possible but I think we’ll probably have to play Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

“If the league were to be cancelled then the season should be null/void. With teams playing more games than others it’s hard to determine who would finish where in the leagues.”

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Andy Pilling, who manages West Lancashire Amateur League side Todmorden Borough, said: “With what the government are saying to us I feel it’s the right thing to do (to suspend grassroots football).

“We have three games left, so I feel now that our season is over.

“We play football for fun so whatever the league decide regarding promotions and relegation we have to go with it. The most important thing is the welfare of our and other teams’ players.”

Michael Cawood, from current Calder Valley Sunday League Premier Division leaders Cock and Bottle, said: “For us as a club its disappointing as we’re enjoying a good season, but certainly the correct decision.

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“Health and well-being are much higher on the priority list than football. There is so much uncertainty about what lies ahead, the situation is unprecedented. I think until it’s clearer on the best way to prevent or delay the spread of coronavirus, the decision to stop all social contact is an important step.”

When asked how the season should eventually be resolved, Cawood said: “That is a decision that will be tough at all levels of the game, and indeed any sport.

“We’ve completed almost 70 per cent of our games, where as our closest challengers have not even completed 40 per cent.

“Once again as the situation is unprecedented there is no previous model to follow. We’re in the quarter final of the CVSL Senior Cup and semi final of the Halifax District Cup, so it would be disappointing for the season to be declared null and void.

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“Only time will tell, and I’m sure we will have further consultation with the CVSL.

“We’ve had so much disruption already this season with Storm Ciara, Storm Dennis and other spells bad weather that it was already going to be difficult to finish.”If things don’t move quickly and with the prospect of an extension to the season impacting on the next campaign then the league have a decision to make about the outcome of the 2019/2020 season.

“I’m happy that we find ourselves top of the league, but football certainly takes a back seat in these situations.”

In a statement, the Halifax AFL said: “It is now confirmed that all games in the Halifax & District AFL have been suspended until further notice.

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“This we believe is the right decision in view of the serious concerns over the coronavirus. It is hoped that we will complete our season but that is of course dependent on how long the shut down lasts for. If we are unable to finish the season the management committee will discuss what we will do.

“We think most clubs understand the closure, knowing it’s not just on the playing field but after the game when a lot of players and spectators go back to a pub or club.”

In a statement, the Calder Valley Sunday League said: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will be working with the FA and WYCFA, local authorities and other leagues to determine the best way forward and will advise all clubs, players and match officials in due course as to how we plan to proceed.

“Thank you to all members of this league for your continued support. Please heed the Government’s advice and stay safe.

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“Players, match officials and their families health is paramount during this difficult time, and the League fully endorse the Government’s and the FAs decision to protect our members by suspending all matches until further notice.

“We will be in dialogue with all relevant parties to discuss the options available and will keep clubs, players and match officials appraised of the continuing situation. However, it is far too early to speculate as to the next steps.”