Monaro Panthers coach Jimmy Kanardis says his team will be put at a disadvantage if their Capital Football rivals can train while they are restricted by NSW guidelines.
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Capital Football released its return to play guidelines this week, allowing players to resume non-contact training from Saturday morning in groups of 10.
However, no club can start organised training this weekend due to ground unavailability. Field allotments, excluding enclosed ovals, will be free for club bookings from Monday.
The NSW government is yet to announce its plan for community sports, leaving Monaro no other option than to find an available field in the ACT next week.
The Panthers usually split their time between Jerrabomberra and the AIS, but those facilities remain closed.
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Kanardis is hoping to secure a field for his team to resume training on Monday, however Canberra-based clubs will be given preferential booking opportunities.
"We're at a bit of a disadvantage to be honest," Kanardis said.
"We're still waiting to see if we can be allocated a field in the ACT.
"We're planning to gear up for Monday if we can find an oval. We're working on our plans now in regards to keeping the compliance with Capital Football under wraps, that way we can return to some sort of normality in the competition."
Australian National University FC and UC Stars are also without training facilities due to the closure of university grounds and enclosed ovals.
Some clubs have questioned Capital Football's decision to give all teams, from MiniRoos to NPL, the same timeline when there's limited field availability.
Capital Football boss Phil Brown said it would be inappropiate to give NPL teams preference, given all clubs face their own planning challenges.
"It's so we could leave it up to the clubs to determine in consideration with their facilities and stakeholder groups what works for them," Brown said.
"Not all clubs have teams in the NPL or NPLW. So if they aren't able to resume training and prepare their plans because they don't have teams in those divisions, that would be inappropriate."
Capital Football has asked its club to submit plans outlining how they will adhere to COVID-19 restrictions prior to the commencement of training.
Team officials are required to record attendance at each session so they can keep track of numbers and players in case of an outbreak.
Monaro will split its NPL team into two groups and send a few players to train with the under-23's side to remain under the 10-person limit.
Teams are restricted to non-contact training sessions and must apply the 1.5 metre social distancing rule. This limits soccer players to skill acquisiton and fitness drills.
Kanardis believes NPL teams will need six weeks of contact training before starting the season to prevent injury and ensure players are match fit.
Capital Football are hoping to start the NPL season in July, pending on advice from the FFA and appropiate health authorities.
"The reality is we won't be getting any of our players contact until maybe the middle of June. That only gives us a few weeks to get our boys match fit," Kanardis said.
"Fitness is fitness, but contact and match fitness is another kettle of fish.
"During the pre-season we had had ten games in about eight or nine weeks, that would have led into the season. The boys were match fit and ready to bring on the season, but now we're back to square one."
- Click or touch here for the AIS return to play guidelines for 28 different sports
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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