***Club Statement Regarding Covid-19*** - 19th May 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope this message finds you safe and well.

Ardmore Rovers has just been informed by our league, the Dublin and District Schoolboy League (DDSL), that the current season, 2019/20, has been abandoned as of the 18th May 2020 due to the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions.

Working in consultation with the Schoolboy and Senior Football Associations along with the HSE, the league has also issued draft dates for the resumption of training and the possible start of the 2020/21 season. The 20th July is the date that has been proposed for training of up to four individuals under the current social distancing guidelines, with the 10th August for full team group sessions, again under those same, social distancing guidelines. The date of return for the commencement of the new 2020/21 season has been set for the 12th September. However, these dates are tentative and subject to change.

As an affiliate of these leagues and in adherence with government guidelines, we are strongly adhering to all of these measures. Therefore, no Ardmore manager or player should be engaging in any organised football session, no matter the size, until further notice, the earliest being the 20th July. Managers have been informed of this and any such activities will not be approved by the club and are therefore not covered by our insurance policy and Ardmore Rovers cannot take any responsibility for any issues arising as a result of unauthorised activities.

We wholly understand the frustration that many of our members are feeling right now, we as a committee feel the same, but as one of the largest community clubs in the area of North Wicklow, we have to carefully consider every decision during this unprecedented time. Safety for our players, mentors and the wider community is not only our number one priority, it is our only priority. We will remain guided by the DDSL, the SFAI, the FAI and, most importantly the health experts.

We will be back in touch with further developments as the weeks progress. Hopefully, we will see you all back playing and training soon.

Keep safe and well,

Yours sincerely,

Ardmore Rovers Executive Committee