Dear Neconn families,
After a three month hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are happy to announce that we are preparing to return to play!
Over the last several weeks, Neconn Soccer has been working closely with state and local authorities, as well as our governing body the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA), to develop guidelines and a timeline that will allow us to safely resume soccer activities. Phase one guidelines can be found at this link. (Page 6-Coaches, page 7-Parents, page 8-Players) Phase 2-4 will be published as they become available.
Erica O’Brien and Ross Sward have been appointed our Return-to-Play Directors, and are leading a team which is currently developing the detailed processes and protocols which will allow us to safely resume soccer activities. Specific program highlights are below.
We also are sensitive to the fact that some families may have new financial constraints and we will be happy to work with you to ensure your child has an opportunity to play. In addition, we understand that certain players may have different risk profiles and we will work with those families to accommodate them.
Finally, we appreciate everyone’s flexibility and understanding during these challenging times. While we are optimistic in our planning for the coming season, we realize that the realities associated with COVID-19 may require us to adjust our plans. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Erica, Ross or any member of the Neconn Board of Directors/Town Reps.
Sincerely,
Erica and Ross (On behalf of the Neconn Board of Directors)
or
Travel Soccer (U9-U15)
- All returning players from the 2019-20 will be guaranteed a roster spot
- Tryouts will be held individually by the team and coach. Mike Craig, Neconn Travel Director, will attend sessions. Any additional tryouts will occur in July. An email update will be sent to all age appropriate players when the times/locations for tryouts are confirmed.
- U9 tryouts will be held by the club in early August time/date TBD
- Registration/payment will be open by July 15 and must be completed by August 1.
Recreation Soccer (U6-U15)
- Registration will open the beginning of August
- The season will follow a traditional schedule, starting the week after Labor day and running through early November
A few highlights from the CJSA Guidelines
- Attendance will be taken before and after each practice session where a coach, or designee, will ask “each athlete if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. If the athlete has any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 they will be sent home and instructed to contact their healthcare provider. They will not be allowed to return to training until they are cleared by a healthcare provider. A doctor’s note must be provided.”
- Neconn will provide fixed hand sanitizing stations at each of the eight fields where practices and/or matches take place.
Players
- Players must wear a face covering before and immediately after each training session. They may be removed while participating in practice and drills, provided players are able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other persons present.
- Practice physical distancing on the sidelines. When sitting on the sidelines players should be 6’ from the next player. Player’s belongings should remain in their space when not in use.
- No group celebrations, handshakes, fist bumps, etc.
by Ross Sward posted 07/06/2020
