“It is for this reason that we fully endorse the return of competitive football in Victoria as soon as possible and the resumption of the 2020 season. We owe this to our players, coaches, their families and of course, as a members-based football club, our members and supporters.   

“We are working with Lakeside Stadium, Parks Victoria and Councils to share our training plans and resume training as soon as practical. This includes all NPL Juniors (both boys and girls), Miniroos and our NPL Senior Program (which includes Senior Men & Women, Under 20s, Under 19s and Under 18s).”

The club then confirmed that it was keen to compete in both senior men’s and women’s competitions - the latter of which FTBL understands is facing significantly less - if any -resistance than the men's competition. 

“FV is planning for the Senior Women’s football to resume in late June or early July with the potential for a reduced season fixture,” Maikousis wrote. “Our Women’s football department is planning for this with the squad looking forward to getting on pitch and playing competitive football.

“FV is hopeful for Senior Men’s football to resume in July but acknowledges there are a number of complexities to be worked through. The Club has been involved in a series of meetings of key stakeholders including Football Victoria, the AAFC and fellow NPL Victoria clubs.

“While some clubs have been apprehensive about resuming football, we are fully committed about completing the 2020 season. We have outlined this position on numerous occasions in our meetings to date.”

Maikousis then outlined a number of measures South believed could be implemented or pursued to ensure senior NPL football was played in 2020, including concepts surrounding promotion and relegation:

  • Continued streaming of all NPL Men’s and matches. This could extend to NPL 2 and NPL 3.
  • Clear guidelines to be developed by FV for return to play scenarios, including appropriate risk management for all participants. This has already been done for training purposes.
  • No relegation from any of the NPL leagues which will allow clubs who can no longer field a strong squad to promote young footballers without the fear of being relegated.
  • We are open to the concept of Promotion from NPL 2 and NPL 3 to remain, continuing to embrace aspirational football and provide any club to strive to be the best it can be. 
  • Ability for all clubs to fairly renegotiate player payments due to reduced revenue from gate takings, canteen and sponsorship revenue.
  • We are flexible regarding transfer periods.
  • Reduction in participation fees & other costs controlled by the Federation to assist clubs maintain their cash flow during this period.
  • Any other Government support.