General News
17 July, 2020
Magpies’ future stars ready for round one
THE competitive return of junior football and netball has Camperdown’s emerging generation excited to take to the field and the court tomorrow (Saturday).
THE competitive return of junior football and netball has Camperdown’s emerging generation excited to take to the field and the court tomorrow (Saturday).
The Magpies’ under 18.5, 14 and 12 football teams and the 17, 15, 14, 13 and 12 and under netball sides will kick off their 2020 seasons against South Warrnambool at Leura Oval.
It will be the first game of a nine round season, which will run each Saturday until September 19, with the start of the junior season coming more than three months after the original scheduled start date.
After cancelling its senior season, the Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) opted to focus on its junior competitions and combined the Saturday-Sunday run competitions into one for this season.
Hampden league clubs have worked diligently in recent months to implement stringent protocols for a return of training and competition, with the competition to run subject to Victorian Government advice as well as AFL Victoria guidelines.
Camperdown president Kevin Russell said the Magpies were looking forward to seeing football and netball at local level once again.
“It’s exciting for the kids to be back playing again,” he said.
“The situation has probably been just as tough on them as it has everyone so it’s great for them to get back out and into it and involved again.
“We all know they are the future of our club, so we want to keep them interested and involved as much as we can.
“This COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world but to be able to get the kids playing again is good for the club, the parents, the kids and everybody.”
The season will return under a number of protocols including no canteens, no entrance fees, no raffles and no changing rooms except for emergencies and toilet facilities and when required showers on bad weather days.
According to government regulations, spectators may attend matches although AFL Victoria recommends only those necessary to support the running of matches such as parents, coaches, players, medical staff and officials should attend.
Those in attendance must abide by social distancing guidelines and congregate in groups of no more than 10 and remain in vehicles where appropriate.