Lockdown forces South East Phoenix and Southern Branch stars to remain on sidelines
Representative players from both South East Phoenix and Southern Branch Inc will remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, after the state government's decision to extend its Greater Sydney lockdown.
As a result, the state's governing body, Football NSW, announced all competitions and training within the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour areas will remain prohibited until Friday, July 16.
That means the five Phoenix teams, which play in the National Premier League Two competition, and the four senior Southern Branch sides, which are part of the Association Youth League, won't be able to return to the field for at least another week.
"We are in regular contact with relevant government agencies, and we are all committed to keeping you informed and up to date in these rapidly changing times," said a Football NSW spokesperson.
"We are meeting with the minister for sport and the Office of Sport on Monday, July 12 July and will provide the football family with an update after that.
"We would like to thank you for your patience, cooperation, and assistance, fighting this together as one and adhering to the restriction guidelines placed by the NSW government and NSW Health will ensure we get back onto that pitch as soon as possible."
This extended lockdown won't impact the Shoalhaven District Football Association, with fixtures still allowed to continue under increased COVID-19 protocols.
"Community football can continue under COVID-19 safe conditions including having only one person per four square metres and anyone attending football matches or training must wear a mask," a FNSW spokesperson said.
"People may remove their mask only for strenuous physical exercise or when eating or drinking, and must put their masks back on at all other times, including spectators, coaches, managers and substitutes.
"Similar to earlier orders, there are other exemptions that apply including for children under 12, people with autism or intellectual disabilities and other health conditions."
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