ANY cross-border raids for the Moama Echuca Soccer Association will now have to wait until 2021.
On Wednesday night, the NSW-Victoria border closure saw the Moama Echuca Border Raiders confirm it was immediately withdrawing junior teams from the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL).
“The club has tonight (Wednesday) made the difficult decision to withdraw our junior teams from BASL competitions for season 2020,” the club said in a statement.
“We will instead be entering our junior teams into a modified local competition to be announced in due course.
“In light of the border closures and the conditions of the NSW border crossing permits, it is not viable to continue in BASL competitions for this season.
“Many of our members live, work or are educated in Moama and cannot afford to self-isolate for a 14-day period after travelling to Bendigo for an away fixture.
“We understand that this will be disappointing news for all our members however the committee and volunteers will work hard to ensure that there is viable local soccer available for our members and the wider Echuca-Moama community in the near future.”
The club also confirmed it was working to keep its players involved in some capacity in the weeks moving forward.
“Community sport is so pivotal in these difficult times and can offer a fantastic sense of community in addition to the substantial mental and physical health benefits,” the statement added.
“Please stay tuned for further announcements. We hope that you, your friends, colleagues and family will join us to participate in the new local competition for 2020 when it is announced.
“Please note that no decision has been made in relation to our senior teams as the BASL senior competitions do not commence until 26 July, 2020.
Should there be any questions, the statement suggested messaging its page or emailing borderraidersinfo@gmail.com
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