Per EPYSA
To: All Members and Affiliates
From: Jeff Sommer, President
Chris Branscome, CEO
Date: March 15, 2020
RE: Coronavirus Update
We hope that you are all safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. As stated previously, we are in constant review of the coronavirus situation via County, State and Federal agencies. The following statement reflects developments over the past 48 hours:
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is suspending all sanctioned soccer activity through Sunday April 5. We will re-evaluate at that time.
Suspended sanctioned soccer extends to all leagues and clubs. This includes, but is not limited to:
· Training
· Organized kick arounds or fitness activities
· Games or scrimmages
· Tournaments
· Referee and coaching courses
· State Cups
· Indoor/futsal
As per the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all schools are closed for a two week period. No school facility can be used for any sanctioned activity. Please comply with the directives of our health agencies and professionals. Do not put yourselves or the children at risk to play soccer. This is not a time to be concerned about soccer, this is a public health crisis.
The state association office is Montgomery County and in compliance with the Governor’s directive, will be closed for the next two weeks. Staff is working from home and will respond via email. The website and social media outlets will be updated regularly. However, we will not have any further answers to questions about the re-start of the season or other programs until after April 5th after we evaluate.
To paraphrase a recent statement by Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp Soccer always seems the most important of the least important things. Today, soccer and soccer matches really aren’t important at all.
Please continue with the recommended hygiene and social distancing directives. It’s our sincerest wish that we may return to our regular activities soon.