Sporting clubs have been amongst the hardest hit by the outbreak of COVID-19, with all activity suspended and unable to resume until restrictions are lifted.
This has meant that a number of our local clubs have been forced to close to the public and continue operating behind closed doors, unsure when, or if, the season will recommence.
However, recent updates to health restrictions have opened the door for clubs to resume training, with non-contact training of up to ten people now permitted.
Local Member of Parliament Mr Tony Piccolo stressed the importance of sporting clubs to the wider Gawler community, stating that “sport is ingrained in our culture on both a local and national level, so we must do all in our power to ensure our local clubs stay afloat in this turbulent time.”
“Sport is not only a great method of physical exercise, but also serves as a valuable means of socialising with others in the community,” he said.
“The role of volunteers within these clubs has also been highlighted in anticipation of National Volunteer Week, starting on May 18, as we express our gratitude for those in the community that lend their services for organisations like sporting clubs.”
Willaston Football Club, despite the overall positive outlook of the situation, holds concern for the retaining of support from the volunteers who help keep them running. “Our president, treasurer and committee members are all volunteers,” Club President Aldo Pasin said.
“Those who work in the canteen, our trainers and our coaches are also nearly all volunteers [so] apart from probably three or so (current volunteers), we’re on a little bit of an idle state.”
“We’re crossing our fingers that there’ll still be volunteers here, I think there will be.”
Gawler Central Sporting Club, which encompasses both football and netball in the winter months, is in a similar position, but are hopeful that things will return to normal soon.
“(Unfortunately) we still have bills and costs coming in [and we’re] madly applying for whatever government relief is available to us,” Club President Kingsley Songer said.
“If we get going… most things won’t be hard to crank back up again, it’s just a matter of when that’ll be.”
“We’re well into preparation for the season, all of our netball trials are done… I don’t think it’ll be difficult to start again (once restrictions are lifted).”
With restrictions on training lifted, the commencements of our local winter sporting seasons are now appearing to come sooner rather than later.
“So many of our residents represent their clubs with pride and are looking forward to the opportunity of doing so again once health restrictions permit them,” Mr Piccolo said.
“While many volunteers are unable to provide their services to their organisations, you can help recognise them by posing with a smiley face drawn on your hand to wave to our volunteers using the hashtags #NWW2020 and #waveforvolunteers.”
“You can also nominate any volunteers you wish to be recognised for their efforts to our office, which we will reward with a post on our social media and a certificate.”