As all sports organizations, FUTSOC await with great anticipation the return to play activities. Some states have already kicked-off in places where home restrictions have been lifted – Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, and Maryland. Gradually phasing in activities, the current soccer training looks different as that training pre-COVID19…what used to be a carefree environment, is now governed by concerns by all engaged in this restart. Hugs are being replaced by air hugs, high fives are not evident, safe distancing is the norm, sanitizers present at locations on and off the field, separated training locations and even parents restricted to their cars or outside locations from the fields. As such, we are vividly reminded of the great challenges that await us as we enter a new phase of potential available activities as determined allowable by the pertinent health organizations and federal and state governmental mandates.

Our return to our customary activities will be highlighted by the extreme preventive caution and strict adherence to the appropriate safety standards, as we endeavor to protect the health of all youth players, trainers, coaches, and parents. Our federal mandates, along with local government guidelines and our soccer governing bodies instructions, will phase us all into an optimal scenario, which will allow for the much anticipated return to active sports play in conjunction with the optimal scenario in which health risks are greatly mitigated.

In the measure that we receive these instructions and clearances, we will immediately convey them to our entire membership. We are all greatly anxious to return to a semblance of the normalcy of the past. Let us be sure to embrace the new norms with great respect, much enthusiasm, and a veritable understanding that we must adopt appropriate measures to secure the well-being of all. Following please find the link to the latest message with guidelines, as recommended by US Youth Soccer for all youth organizations in the U.S.

Kindly read the information contained in the link as it provides a wealth of information, which will establish some of the new norms we should expect for the future of soccer seasons to follow. Guidelines and recommendations for players, coaches, and parents are greatly detailed and will serve as a template for the future.