THE Chelsea Football Club will not participate in the 2020 MPNFL season if it goes ahead.
The club announced last week that they had made the decision to withdraw their football sides from this year’s season. The seniors, reserves, and under 19s squads have all been pulled out.
The decision taken by the club excludes their netball sides.
Chelsea FNC president Michael Davis said “the decision to withdraw from the season has not been taken lightly, but we believe it is in the best interest of the club and our members.”
“With over 110 years of history we need to ensure that we are here for our members for many more years to come. Season 2020 was going to be a great year for the club with outstanding recruitment along with laser sharp commitment from our historical playing group,” he said.
“Our resolve for success will only become greater as we begin to plan for season 2021. We look forward to reengaging with our community once we can do this in line with government and local council guidelines.
“As a community, we need to get behind these people and partners and ensure that we are able to get through the challenges faced from the COVID-19 lockdown. The league has been supportive of our position and are understanding of the challenges currently facing clubs and we support their endeavours moving forward.”
A statement from the club read that the decision was made after evaluating player welfare, member and volunteer welfare, and financial sustainability. The club estimates that 85 per cent of its sponsors have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
AFL South East Chief Operating Officer Shaun Connell said “we fully respect the right of the Chelsea Football Netball Club committee to make considered decisions based on what it feels is right for its members, and its short and long term sustainability.”
“While we fully respect that decision, we will continue to work with the remainder of MPNFL and AFL South East clubs who over the past few weeks have seen strong numbers return to training in a positive first step in returning to competitive sport across the region,” he said.
MPNFL clubs are set to review the status of the season on 21 June.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 17 June 2020
