10 JUNE 2020 | ISSUE 451 | FREE
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"WE'LL BE BACK STRONGER THAN EVER" NAGAMBIE FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB TALK ABOUT THE DECISION TO CANCEL THE 2020 SEASON
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced an unprecedented global shut-down and the impacts on sport and active living have been complex. The Kyabram District League 2020 season was in doubt when the threat of COVID19 escalated overseas and by the time March arrived, anxiety was growing with Government issuing state of emergency warnings across Australia. “As things worsened through February the discussions became more of a reality and by the time March came around, the inevitable was upon us. As the state went
into lockdown with such tight restrictions, we knew the season was in jeopardy,” said Nagambie Laker’s Vice President, Jackson Hutton. As the weeks went by and with training prohibited there was plenty of discussion surrounding the viability of a restart to the season. With physical, social and emotional implications there was much to consider. “First and foremost the health and wellbeing of all involved at the club and of course the wider community was a priority to us. Lack of pre-season for all players and the high risk of injury that comes with that. The financial hardship of our sponsors during the pandemic who we rely on to financially run the club and the unevenness of the competition due to its shortness,” said Jackson.
Nagambie Lakers Football Club President, Barry Cryer said discussions with the competition's clubs about what a revised season would look like had produced diverse feedback prior to the decision of the cancellatio of the 2020 season. “The restart of organised matches without crowds would diminish gate, canteen and bar takings to almost zero. It became clear that a 2020 season would not be viable.” Barry said. As a club with a high focus on the local community, It was a tough decision but it was one that needed to be made. “As much as we all wanted season 2020 to take place, unfortunately doing so could have lead to serious risks to the very same community we are part of,” said Barry. The disappointment of the playing group
when told the season had been cancelled was obvious. “ The most demanding and hardest part of the season- the preseason- was 90% complete and the real stuff was about to begin. But to the credit to all players across the board, they were all able to see the bigger picture,” said Jackson. As with all local sporting clubs, the Lakers are reliant on gate revenue, fundraisers and sponsorship from local businesses to cover costs. Without the running costs of a season, the expenditure will be minimal for 2020. “ Our sponsors and members are the life blood of our club. Without them, we don’t exist. There will be no player fees paid for 2020,” said Barry. Continued next page...