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Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club cancels outdoor season

Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club today announced it has cancelled its 2020 outdoor season.

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“After assessing return to play protocols and consulting with the local health unit we are heartbroken to announce that in the best interests of the health and safety of all involved we are canceling the 2020 Outdoor Season,” stated the TMSC executive on its Facebook page.

“This is by no means a decision that we have taken lightly and we had hoped that the current regional opening of the province would allow for us to take to the field. We had two options before us, to cancel the season or run a modified program with a shortened season.”

After examining how COVID-19 and social distancing rules would affect the game, combined with the ‘recent increase in cases in children under-20’, the club executive determined that soccer could not be safely played during the pandemic.

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Some of the current restrictions TMSC would have been required to follow include: two metre distance at all times; groups of 10 or less, including coaches; no scrimmaging or games until all distancing restrictions lifted; cannot share soccer balls (ie. passing or shooting).

“These restrictions – while in place to provide a safe and healthy environment – are not conducive to an exciting and fun team-based program,” the soccer executive stated. “While a ‘back to basics’ approach based on ball control and individual skills would be beneficial to all players, there are no guarantees that we will be able to scrimmage and play games safely before the season is over.”

Fees that have been paid for the 2020 season will be credited to 2021. Refunds will also be given through an online request form (www.tillsonburgsoccer.ca/player-refund-form.html).

“We know there will be many disappointed children and families; however, we feel this is in the best interests of all, taking into consideration the health and safety of our players, coaches, officials, and spectators,” the soccer executive stated.

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