As of Sunday 31 January 2021 a COVID-19 case in Western Australia has resulted in a 5-day lockdown of the Perth Metropolitan region.

In line with State Government directions, all training and games for members of South Perth United FC is cancelled for the next five days. Please do not attend training until more information is available from the State Government. Keep up to date with the latest State Government advice here.

The committee will provide updates as soon as more information is available.

If anyone has been to training in the last two weeks and develops symptoms of COVID-19 please get tested immediately and inform admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au.

In the meantime, please look after yourselves and stay safe. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au.

-South Perth United FC Committee

Exciting news! On Friday 29 May 2020 Football West announced the 2020 season will commence!

Season to commence 21 June 2020

Football West announced that the 2020 season will go ahead with games commencing on Sunday 21 June 2020. The season will run from 21 June to the 10/11 October with no break for juniors during school holidays. There will be no cup rounds for seniors. This is great news for all of our teams and we are so excited to be getting back on the pitch!

Fixtures are yet to be released – your coach, manager or coordinator will be in touch when the time and location of your first game is confirmed.

Football West’s news coincides with the announcement by the State Government on 29 May 2020 to further ease COVID-19 restrictions as of 6 June 2020. Under phase three, up to 100 people will be allowed at an event and contact sport may be resumed.

Training plans

With the season just around the corner we encourage all players to get down to training and start building our skills and game fitness!

Training for the coming week (until 6 June) will have a maximum of 20 people per group (on half a pitch), maintaining all social distancing standards. From 6 June training will resume to pre-COVID-19 standards with contact drills and games allowed.

Registration

In anticipation of the upcoming season, all senior players are asked to please register and pay your fees by Thursday 11 June.

Seniors merchandise

Senior players are asked to please submit your merchandise order by Thursday 11 June if you have not already done so. Registration includes $50 worth of merchandise – if you order more than $50 worth of merchandise please ensure it is fully paid by the 11 June. If you would like to change or cancel your order please contact Rebecca Van Noort (merchandise coordinator) on Facebook or email admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au.

We know it has been an uncertain and worrying few months and we would like to thank all of our coaches, volunteers and players for your support and understanding. We are not fully out of the woods yet but we think the grass will look a little greener once we are back on the pitch! We can’t wait to see you there!

– South Perth United Committee

South Perth United COVID-19 Procedure Document ( Download)

1.Purpose

This Standard Operating Procedure is for all South Perth United (SPU) Members. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on how to safely participate in football during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

By partaking in any activities led by SPU during the COVID-19 outbreak, all players, parents, volunteers and coaches agree to abide by the protocols laid out in this document.

The document will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with ongoing alerts and communication from the State and Federal Government, Football West, Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Procedures laid out in this document are based upon the following standards set by Football West and AIS.

• Football West Guidelines for return to modified and limited football activities
• AIS Framework for rebooting sport

Despite the recommencement of limited training, any player, parent, volunteer or coach that is not comfortable or does not wish to partake in football activities in the current climate is under no obligation to do so. They are not required to provide a reason as to why they do not wish to partake. The South Perth United Committee understand that individuals and families must do what is best for your mental and physical health. Regardless of your decision, South Perth United is here to support you.

2.Background

Australia is continuing to closely monitor an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The World Health Organization WHO has characterised the outbreak of COVID-19 as a Pandemic.

The latest information on COVID-19 is available from the Australian Commonwealth Government Department of Health.

Currently in Australia, people most at risk of getting the virus are people who have:

• Travellers who have recently been overseas.
• Those who have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
• People in detention settings.
• People in group residential settings.

People who are more at risk of serious illness if they get the virus are:

• People with compromised immune systems (such as people who have cancer).
• Elderly people.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (as they have higher rates of chronic illness).
• People with chronic medical conditions.
• People in group residential settings.
• Very young children and babies (this risk is unclear but noted by the Department of Health).

3.Registration

Currently South Perth United (SPU) are complying with Football West’s mandate that there will be a 2020 season. SPU are currently accepting registration for various divisions of football. Places are limited by amount of players in a team.

4.Use of facilities

Members should not gather around clubrooms at any point in time. Members should meet directly at their allocated training area at the start of their session. All areas of the Challenger Reserve clubrooms and facilities will not be accessible at any time. This includes:

• Clubrooms
• Changing rooms
• Drink fountains
• Playground
• BBQ equipment
• Equipment shed (See Ryan Sumner SPU Vice President for equipment, further details in 8. below)

The only exception is the public toilets which will be open between training hours – Tuesday and Thursday 5pm to 9pm and Wednesday 7pm to 9pm.

To minimise risk when using the toilets the following protocols have been instated:

• One occupant per gender at a time
• External doors will remain open to reduce physical contact
• Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance to be used before and after using the bathroom

5.Training rules

The below rules outline the requirements of any SPU member partaking in football related activities led by the club. Under current government restrictions failure to abide by these rules may lead to an on the spot fines of $1000 for individuals and a fine of $50 000 to $250 000 for the club. Any member found to be breaking the below rules may be asked to leave the grounds immediately.

All members are encouraged to ensure all others are held to account to ensure SPU is a safe community. The committee cannot have our eyes on every situation and we require the support of the whole community to get through the pandemic.

All members

• 1.5m social distancing must remain in place
• All activities must be non-contact
  • No small sided games
  • No drills involving tackling
  • No drills that breach 1.5m social distancing
• No bibs can be used or shared
• Handling of equipment is limited to coaches only (exception of balls)
• No access to facilities (exception of toilets within training hours)
• Participation is not mandatory
• No social activities – this includes conversations with anyone outside your training group before, during or after training.

Players

• Players must stay within their allocated group of 19 people maximum
  • No communication with any other groups
• Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to kick off and meet directly at your allotted training area
• Leave immediately after the conclusion of training
• Do not gather around clubrooms at any point in time
• There will be no treatment for injuries supplied by SPU
• Bring your own water – water will not be available from taps or drink fountains

Coaches

• Communications with other coaches are permitted, 1.5m social distancing must remain in place.
• Keep all equipment after training sessions
• Clean equipment to limit risk
• No equipment can be shared with other teams
• Ensure training times are strictly kept – training is not to run beyond your allocated finish time

Parents

• Only one parent is allowed to attend activities (exception: coaches/managers/assistant coaches)
• Parents are encouraged to stay in their cars

6.Junior training allocations

Training times and pitch allocations:

See Appendix A for a map of pitch and carpark allocations.

Tuesday 5pm – 6:30pm

• Pitch A
  • Under 6, 7
• Pitch B North
  • Under 12
• Pitch B South
  • Under 11
• Pitch C North
  • Under 8
• Pitch C South
  • Under 10s

Thursday 5pm – 6:30pm

• Pitch A
  • Under 6, 7
• Pitch B North
  • Under 12
• Pitch B South
  • Under 11
• Pitch C North
  • Under 9
• Pitch C South
  • Under 10s

7.Senior training allocations

Training times and pitch allocations:

See Appendix B for a map of pitch and carpark allocations.

Tuesday 7pm – 9pm

• Pitch A
  • Ladies
• Pitch B
  • Men’s Div 1

Wednesday 7pm – 9pm

• Pitch A
  • Metros
• Pitch B
  • Masters

Thursday 7pm – 9pm

• Pitch A
  • Men’s Div 1
• Pitch B
  • Ladies

Sunday 8am – 10am

• Pitch A
  • Metros
• Pitch B
  • Masters

8.Equipment

All equipment will be distributed by Ryan Sumner SPU Vice President. The equipment will be put into the care of the coaches until such time we can reopen the equipment shed.

Appendix A: Junior pitch and car park allocation maps

Appendix B: Senior pitch and car park allocation maps

We are pleased to announce that training will recommence next week from Tuesday 12 May, subject to a number of strict protocols. We’d like to thank all of our members for your continued support and commitment to safety and are ecstatic that we are able to start reconnecting with you in person.

Approvals and guidelines

On 1 May 2020 Football West announced the return of limited football activities in WA. In addition to the guidelines laid out by Football West and restrictions laid out by the State Government, the committee has cleared the recommencement of training with the City of South Perth.

You can access the latest guidelines and advice from Football West on the first page of the South Perth United COVID-19 procedures document.

Procedures for the recommencement of training

In order for South Perth United to be able to return to training we require our players, parents, coaches and volunteers follow a series of protocols developed by the committee in line with current restrictions laid out by the State Government and guidelines provided by Football West.

While we are very excited to be able to train again we must take these procedures very seriously. Both individuals and the club could be open to prosecution if found not complying. Infringements may incur: $1000 on the spot fine for individuals and a fine of $50 000 – $250 000 for the club. Any member found not to be complying may be asked to leave the grounds immediately.

Any players and parents wishing to return to training must read the South Perth United COVID-19 procedures document. This document includes the following requirements:

• Teams will be split into training groups of less than 10 people.
• Players are not allowed to interact with individuals outside of their training groups.
• Players are to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their designated training time, must park in their allocated parking area and proceed directly to their allocated training area (please read the procedures document for allocations and designated areas).
• Only coaches may touch any equipment besides balls – balls are only to be touched by players feet.
• No players, coaches, parents or volunteers are to break the 1.5m distancing requirements.
• Players must leave the grounds immediately after training ends.

Training times, pitch allocations and parking locations are all included in the procedures. Please ensure you read this document comprehensively before attending training.

What is next?

The committee would like to reiterate that although training is recommencing, partaking is completely voluntary. If you are not comfortable or do not wish to train you are not obligated to do so. Please let the committee know if there is any way we can support you in your return to football, regardless if you choose to return this week or sometime in the weeks to come. We ask that you please keep your coach and managers informed of your intentions so they can adapt to this situation and to the needs of your team.

While we are excited to be back training it is still unclear if and when the 2020 football season will commence. The delay to the season is currently scheduled to end on 31 May 2020. We will pass on any further information from Football West as soon as it is available.

Thank you

The committee would like to thank each and every member for your continued commitment to the club and support through the last few weeks. We would also like to thank the dedicated coaches and managers, particularly those with the task ahead of adapting training sessions to challenging circumstances and guidelines. We will continue to provide the latest information as soon as we are able. For questions or concerns please contact admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au .

We can’t wait to see you all soon!

– South Perth United Committee

Hi South Perth United family,

Here is our latest update since isolation restrictions have eased. Congratulations to everyone for doing your part and keeping a safe distance. With the number of new cases per day remaining at 0-1 for the last week in WA, we are grateful that everyone is doing what they can to stop the spread of the virus and get us back playing football as soon as possible.

Future return of some football activities

With restrictions eased, Football West has released the following statement. Football West is developing guidelines for how and in what capacity training may recommence. The South Perth United Committee is working closely with Football West and the City of South Perth to clarify guidelines and ensure that any potential recommencement is safe and follows protocols laid out by the State and Federal Government.

There is the potential that training may recommence as early as the week beginning 11 May. This is currently unconfirmed and dependant on a number of factors outside of our control. We will be providing an update in the next seven days.

If training is to recommence there will be strict protocols and guidelines that all players, parents, volunteers and coaches will be required to abide by. The committee is currently constructing these protocols which will include: where, when and how each team may train; club house procedures and hygiene; equipment use; social interactions between team members; and how potential confirmed cases of COVID-19 will be handled in the unlikely event that a member is diagnosed.

Training will be completely voluntary. Any player, parent, volunteer or coach that is not comfortable or does not wish to train is under no obligation to do so and is not required to provide a reason as to why they do not wish to partake. We understand that the last few weeks has been difficult for all and you must do what is best for you and your family’s mental and physical health. Regardless of your decision, the South Perth United family is here to support you.

What you can do to help

In line with government advice, South Perth United Committee are encouraging all members to please download the COVIDSafe app. This will aid in contact tracing of any future confirmed cases and will help to keep our members safe.

Start working on your skills again

With the potential for some form of football activities recommencing get moving and working on those foot skills!

We are challenging all players to dust off the soccer ball and record yourselves completing the SPU keepy-up challenges. Vice President Ryan Sumner has led the charge – see if you can beat his score by juggling the ball 10 times – once using your feet and once using knees. Be sure to check out his videos here and here, and post your video progress to social media, @SouthPerthFC and #SPUFC!

Check out FFA’s skills hub for a collection of other challenges, drills and activities you can do at home.

Football West’s E-Series Cup

Congratulations to South Perth’s own member for taking out the Football West E-series cup! Read about it here.

– South Perth United Committee

Hi South Perth United family,

Please see our latest update below. With the return of football delayed until 31 May these updates will be provided fortnightly (instead of weekly) moving forward.

Latest from Football West and FFA

With the suspension of football delayed until 31 May, Football West has been inundated with questions and concerns. We are working with them to clarify what this means for our club, registration, players etc. and will pass on an update as soon as we have more information.

If you have any questions please direct them to admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au.

Football West’s E-Series Cup

Football West is looking for sign-ups for their second E-Series Cup, with registrations closing this afternoon.

With social distancing preventing the physical playing of football – you can now get your football fix via FIFA 20. The competition with be run across PS4 and Xbox with a junior and senior division across each console. Find out more here.

Enjoying the Easter break

While it won’t be the Easter long-weekend that many of us imagined, the committee wishes everyone a happy and safe Easter break. We have heard that Premier Mark McGowan has granted a travel ban Egg-semption for the Easter Bunny so we hope he finds his way to your house this weekend.

-South Perth United Committee

Hi South Perth United family,

Please see our weekly COVID-19 update below.

Return of football delayed until 31 May

Yesterday afternoon (1 April 2020) Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Football West announced that the suspension of all football activity has been extended to 31 May 2020. The initial suspension, from 17 March, was scheduled to end on 14 April.

The committee is currently in conversation with Football West about how this will impact fees and potential refunds. We are working hard to resolve this and will provide further information as soon as possible.

We understand that for the majority of our players and parents, this is difficult news. Football is often a core part of our mental and physical wellbeing and we urge you to reach out to your team mates, coaches and other parents for support and ideas to keep active.

Read the full statements from Football West and FFA.

Football West has compiled a list of FAQs for clubs and players that you can read here.

Football West workforce adjustments

Football West made the announcement on Monday (30 March 2020) that they have made the difficult decision to reduce staff numbers and working hours. Postponement of competitions and programs has had a significant impact on revenue streams forcing Football West to make significant workforce adjustments.

While a minimum critical workforce has been maintained, it is unclear how this will impact future competitions and club support. Read their full statement here.

FFA’s statement on Monday asks players, fans and volunteers to remain patient and stay connected and engaged with the game in these ever changing times.

Senior merchandise orders

With uncertainty around how and if the 2020 season will progress in the face of COVID-19, the committee will postpone finalising merchandise orders. For senior players, your registration includes $50 worth of merchandise – if Football West makes the decision to cancel the season entirely and refund registration fees then the merchandise order will likely be cancelled and all orders refunded.

The committee will make a decision surrounding merchandise orders once we have more information regarding registration fees and the 2020 season from Football West.

Keeping fit at home

The newest #PlayAtHomeChallenge is out now! Don’t forget to share your progress with your team and post a video to social media with the hash tags #PlayAtHomeChallenge and #SPUFC.

FFA has also released a series of drills that you can do by yourself with only a ball and a small patch of grass. Have a look at the Football Skills Hub and start working on your Ronaldo moves!

As always, please look out for one another and if you have any questions please direct them to admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au.

– South Perth United Committee

Hi South Perth United family,

Please see our weekly COVID-19 update below.

The latest from Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Football West

Football West made the announcement yesterday (30 March 2020) that they have made the difficult decision to reduce staff numbers and working hours. Postponement of competitions and programs has had a significant impact on revenue streams forcing Football West to make significant workforce adjustments.

While a minimum critical workforce has been maintained it is unclear how this will impact future competitions and club support. With all football activities on hold until 14 April 2020, Football West is yet to announce how the 2020 season will be impacted. Read their full statement here.

FFA’s latest statement asks players, fans and volunteers to remain patient and stay connected and engaged with the game in these ever changing times.

Senior merchandise orders

With uncertainty around how and if the 2020 season will progress in the face of COVID-19, the committee will postpone finalising merchandise orders. For senior players, your registration includes $50 worth of merchandise – if Football West makes the decision to cancel the season and refund registration fees then the merchandise order will likely be cancelled and all orders refunded.

The committee will make a decision surrounding merchandise orders once we have more information about the 2020 season from Football West.

Keeping fit at home

The newest #PlayAtHomeChallenge is out now! Don’t forget to share your progress with your team and post a video to social media with the hash tags #PlayAtHomeChallenge and #SPUFC.

FFA has also released a series of drills that you can do by yourself with only a ball and a small patch of grass. Have a look at the Football Skills Hub and start working on your Ronaldo moves!

As always, please look out for one another and if you have any questions please direct them to admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au.

– South Perth United Committee

Hi South Perth United family,

Here is the latest in the ever-changing COVID-19 situation.

The latest from Football Federation Australia (FFA)

We are yet to hear anything further from either FFA or Football West regarding potential impacts on the 2020 season with current football activities suspended until 14 April 2020. A reminder to senior players that registration and merchandise orders are due in by Tuesday 31 March.

Today (24 March 2020) FFA announced that the remaining six A-League games will be postponed, effective immediately. They will have an update about A-League games by 22 April 2020 after  assessing how the COVID-19 situation develops.

You can read their latest statement here.

Keeping fit at home

While missing out on weekly training and games is hard, we encourage all players (and parents, siblings, partners and housemates!) to find innovative ways to keep moving while limiting social interactions. The Socceroos and Matildas are posting a weekly #PlayAtHomeChallenge.

This week’s challenge is to juggle the ball 10 times. So bust out your ball and get practicing! Be sure to share your progress with your team and post a video to social media with the hash tags #PlayAtHomeChallenge and #SPUFC.

If you have a favourite at home workout, share it and tag us on Facebook @SouthPerthFC

Social distancing and preventative measures

South Perth United would like to remind everyone to please abide by social distancing measures laid out by the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation. These include:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Be sure to throw the tissue in the bin immediately.
• Maintain a distance of 1.5m from people outside of those you live with at home
• If you have any flu like symptoms stay at home
• Clean surfaces such as door knobs, phones, keys and keyboards regularly

We would also like to remind players that football has been shut down for a reason and to please refrain from organising “kick abouts” in the park. While we encourage people to stay active, please ensure that a 1.5m radius is maintained when exercising and minimise contact with high traffic public areas (eg. Drink fountains, playgrounds etc.).

Thank you to everyone for your support. Be sure to stay in touch with your teammates and coaches – social distancing can be emotionally and mentally challenging and it is important that we stay connected and look out for one another. #SupportTheClubThatSupportsYou

– South Perth United Committee

Dear players, parents, volunteers and wider members of the South Perth United family,

This afternoon Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Football West have announced that due to COVID-19 all football activities (including training, games and coaching courses) are to be postponed from 9pm Tuesday 17 March 2020 until Tuesday 14 April 2020.

The South Perth United (SPU) committee recognises that this is an uncertain time for the whole community and fully supports Football West’s and FFA’s decision. The health and safety of our players and wider society is our number one priority and we will be staying up to date on the latest advice from FFA, the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation.

At this stage we are uncertain how COVID-19 will impact the 2020 football season but will continue to provide updates as they become available. We will be in close contact with Football West about the season including any repercussions for registration and fees.

For any seniors that have not yet registered, the registration and merchandise deadline has been extended from Thursday 19 March 2020 to Tuesday 31 March 2020.

We can also confirm that any social events planned for the next month, including the preseason event on Friday 3 April, have been cancelled.

In the next two weeks, if you or a close family member are suspected to have contracted COVID-19, and think that members of SPU may have been exposed to the virus (through training or games prior to 17 March 2020) please:

• Email admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au with details about which training/games you attended
• And call SPU President Simon Baptista immediately on 0404 063 100.

We would encourage everyone to please limit social interactions during this time and follow the guidance laid out by the Department of Health that can be found here.

Please email any questions about our response to COVID-19 to admin@southperthunitedfc.com.au but please be patient – it will take some time to reply to all of the enquiries we have received.

We will be providing weekly updates via this page on the SPU website so please stay connected for the latest.

Our thoughts are with every member of the SPU family, we know that the uncertainty of the next few weeks will be stressful and we encourage you to stay connected through social media, emails and messages.

• South Perth United FC Committee

Our SPUFC is a diverse community supported by a great social atmosphere