The top priority for the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association (EMSA) is maintaining the safety of all participants while we return to playing soccer in the District. The communication between clubs, leagues and local health units is extremely important if we are going to have a successful return to play in 2021. There are seven Public Health Units that impact the EMSA District, and we are also following Ontario Soccer’s return to play guide for a successful 2021 season.
We are seeing registration numbers at about 75% pre-COVID levels on the competitive side. Our WOSL (senior men’s) is closer to 90% of its pre-COVID registration numbers, although our recreational registrations are only at 30% of pre-COVID levels. However, we expect that number to be higher as more clubs register their players and we get closer to 2021 play.
These are numbers close to what both the District and the Ontario Soccer 2020 survey results predicted.
People want to play soccer in 2021, and we are excited that we have so many who want to play. We also believe that as the vaccine becomes more available, more participants will return to playing soccer.
A different look
Soccer may look different between the various leagues this year. Our senior players prefer a return to the 11v11 game, which may mean fewer games as we work within the 50-person competitive bulletin restrictions and the two-week quarantine period when we need to change competitive bubbles.
The situation has brought out creative thinking, where leagues have looked at 9v9 – and even 7v7 – models of soccer for some of our older groups. Our clubs and leagues need to be commended for the creative thinking and planning they have done to engage as many players as possible during a very difficult time. Ontario Soccer has also been very supportive and encouraging.
The ‘positives’ out of COVID
What has become clear during the COVID-19 era is the resilience of EMSA clubs and leagues to offer programs its members are requesting – even if it doesn’t necessarily look like traditional soccer. The willingness of our players, parents, clubs, leagues and match officials to work together to plan for a successful and safe 2021 season has been impressive.
Another positive aspect to come out of the unique COVID situation have been the effective communication with local health units and municipalities (and their willingness to work with the soccer community to provide for a safe 2021 outdoor season). The willingness of all participants to be good listeners and to be helpful has been fantastic, and the guidance from Ontario Soccer has been great.
The downsides of COVID soccer
We prefer to see the ‘downsides’ rather as challenges. These include: the 50-person competitive bubble outdoors, which is challenging; Enhanced cleaning requirements for teams, clubs and municipalities, as it relates to facilities and their use; Keeping up with the changing requirements of the colour-coded system and not being able to plan for a full season (as the number of COVID-19 cases in a particular local health unit may change and, thus, change its colour designation).
However, everyone in the EMSA soccer world understands the need for safety protocols to protect our communities from COVID. We know and understand that 2021 will be a transition year to what we believe will be a more normal soccer experience beginning in 2022.
For the most up-to-date information, visit our website at www.emsadistrict.com.
Contributions by Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association
