The Peel Football and Netball League season has joined the growing list of local sports put on hiatus, with the WA Football Commission ruling to postpone any community competition until further notice.
The Commission released a statement on Tuesday announcing all senior and junior football statewide was to be put on hiatus until at least May 31 due to the spread of coronavirus.
That includes the Peel competition, which as recently as yesterday was holding to hope they would be able to run as planned.
The Mandurah Mail reported on Monday that the PFNL were crossing their fingers, but the league was aware of the ever-changing status surrounding COVID-19 and accepted at the time that their's and the Commission's stance may change.
"Consistent with the decision yesterday in relation to State League football and talent programs, all community football competitions will be postponed until 31st May 2020," the WAFC statement read.
"The recommendation was collectively agreed upon based on the nature of shared public facilities across community football clubs and the health and safety of football's volunteer network."
WAFC chief executive officer Gavin Taylor said the health and wellbeing of players, coaches, umpires, officials, volunteers and the local community was at the forefront of the decision.
"The WAFC is determined to be part of the whole of community response to slow down the spread of corornavirus and help the broader community and our health systems to cope," he said.
"We strongly agree with the AFL and other state football bodies that given the current climate of uncertainty and complexity it is best to take decisive action now."
"We will be working through this postponement with all senior and junior competitions and affiliates throughout WA over the coming days and remain committed to offering our full support to community football during this time.
"Football is part of the fabric of our community and we will do everything possible to ensure we can overcome this unprecedented challenge together so that football not only survives, but thrives."
The postponement of match play also stretches to team training sessions and face-to-face education courses.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
