Remainder of Auckland football season cancelled
Northern Region Football has made the tough decision to cancel the remainder of the Auckland football season for all grades and levels of competition, because of the COVID-19 lockdown.
“We did everything we could to play again, creating many, many season scenarios, and working constructively with Council as well as cricket and softball on what grounds could be available, including a short season extension.”
“Ultimately our large scale and the logistics required around safety and record keeping, meant the timing just didn’t work. Our top priority is keeping our Auckland community, who are at the centre of this outbreak, safe and this influenced the final decision,” said NRF CEO Laura Menzies.
“I know this is really difficult news and I’m gutted for all the players, volunteers, officials and administrators that our 2021 season hasn’t finished the way we all wanted. Thanks for all your hard work and patience through lockdown.”
The NRF team will support the running of junior and youth festivals or friendly football as Levels reduce, and looks forward to Term 4 Futsal and summer football, which is just around the corner.
Competition winners, promotion and relegation placings will be based on competition results up to and including the weekend of August 14-15. As the last weekend round played before lockdown, it’s the most consistent outcome possible and is supported by competition regulations.
All final standings are on northernregionfootball.org.nz:
Play is set to resume in Northland under Alert Level 2 from this weekend as ground preparation and player safety allows.
“We encourage our whole football and futsal community to stay safe, follow the Level 4 rules and get vaccinated, to help us achieve an uninterrupted winter season in 2022.” said Laura Menzies.
