NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) is putting out a call on behalf of its clubs for volunteers to assist as the start of the junior football season fast approaches.
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The NSW Government announced community sport for children under the age of 18 years would be allowed to return from July 1.
NNSWF and its seven Member Zones, which include the North Coast (which takes in Nambucca Heads, Macksville, Scotts Head, Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo) and the Mid North Coast (Kempsey) are working towards a season starting from July.
But for clubs to make the revised 2020 season a successful one, they will need some more help from parents, senior players and the community.
NNSWF CEO David Eland said clubs are made up of dedicated volunteers who work diligently throughout the season and during the off-season to make football happen.
"Unfortunately due to the delay COVID-19 caused and the resulting extra activities which need to occur, clubs need more parents to step-up and dedicate whatever time they can to assist," Mr Eland said.
"We have more than 8000 volunteers across northern NSW and they do a fabulous job. Our game wouldn't exist without them.
"But football is going to be different this season and for clubs to be able to get back on the pitch and prosper they are going to need extra hands on deck.
"We're not asking for parents to attend every night of the week or all day Saturday. We're asking for two or three hours a week.
"There are jobs everyone can do to help whether it be packing down fields, directing people and/or cars, helping to communicate to other players and families or just encouraging good hygiene.
"You don't need to be a 'lifer.' Just a couple of hours - whatever you can spare, each week, for training or matches.
"At the end of the day, we all want football to be back and for kids to be able to play and it's proven - many hands make light work.
"We ask you, give back a little and contact your club today to see whether they could use some help."
The COVID-19 pandemic saw all football activities suspended in early March. All NNSWF clubs were allowed to return to training from May 27, with the caveat they abide by the NSW Public Health Order and NNSWF Return to Training Guidelines.
NNSWF is hopeful of having their senior competitions up and running in mid-July.
