To our Stop Out family

Hello to all players, caregivers and supporters of Stop Out.

We’ve been waiting patiently for the right time to communicate with you all. The Level 4 lockdown has been a focus on safety, security and support – and for us all to stay safe in our own family bubbles.

As we move into Level 3 there is a glimmer of hope that we may see some football this season.

We know coaches have been engaging directly with players and communicating as best they can. We’ve also seen some delightful Facebook videos being produced by Jack Morrissey to keep the juniors active at home.

It’s been difficult for Capital Football to provide any definitive decisions around if or when we will start football, but they have been busy exploring a myriad of options to get us all back on the park. Nothing of course can be confirmed until the Government gives football the authority to proceed.

There may be some team training allowed in Level 2, however It does seem that contact sport competition won’t start up again until Level 1.

As a club we have also been brainstorming ideas so that if we don’t get to play football through our traditional way – Capital Football competitions, that we could run festivals and tournaments in the summer months, to give us all a much needed football fix.

The Wynton Rufer Tournament has been rescheduled to August and we have crossed fingers and toes that our flagship tournament will be run in 2020.

We are also aware under this “new normal” the importance of the Stop Out club being there for you all. Some may be uncertain about the risks of playing again, some may have increased financial challenges, others may have uncertainty in the job market. Please talk with coaches and the committee if you have any concerns. Whatever situation you now find yourself in, simply we are here to help.

As a club we are acutely aware that whilst our common bond is football, we also play an important part in people’s lives as a safe haven, a home away from home – where people meet, socialise and form life-long bonds through our love of football. Over the next few months, when we have authority, we will ensure that our club rooms are open and available for all members and supporters to meet under approved guidelines.

Our strong club spirit will be crucial to reconnecting on and off the field.

We are all in this together.

And of course if the season does not go ahead we will provide full subscription refunds. Others may prefer a credit for the 2021 season and some may want to make a donation to the club. We also ask you to ensure your player registration is completed. When football gets the green light to start it may happen very quickly, so it’s important that all your paperwork is up to date.

Finally in these uncertain times, it’s fitting that our club motto goes right to the heart of the challenge we all face.

Alter Alterius onera portate. Bear ye one another’s burdens.

See you all back on the football field very soon!

The Stop Out Committee