Warrnambool Rangers president and senior men's coach Cameron Pyke says it's a relief to have clarity on what's happening with grassroots soccer in Australia.
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Football Federation Australia on Wednesday announced the suspension of grassroots soccer competitions and training would be extended from April 14 until at least May 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
By then it will be decided whether soccer can resume or if the suspension will be extended further.
Pyke said his club postponed one of its committee meetings earlier this week because it wasn't sure what was going on with the suspension date.
"Knowing what we know now, we can put some alternative plans in place and just run with that," he said.
Pyke wasn't surprised the suspension date was revised.
"It's a bit disappointing that we can't commence the season," he said.
"But in saying that, I think common sense would have shown that our season was going to be postponed further after the AFL and others sports said May 31 would be when they would assess.
"The tricky thing is trying to make sure we're keeping our players engaged."
But the Rangers president said "we can only control what we can control".
He sent a message to his senior players on Wednesday night to inform them of the suspension update.
"Just making sure their caught up in the loop as far as any information that's passed down to us," he said.
The Rangers have senior and under 17 teams in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association.
They also have under 16, under 14 and under 12 teams in the South West Victorian Football Association.
Warrnambool Wolves also play in the SWVFA.
Pyke's message to all club members is to remain active.
"The joy of soccer is that all you need is yourself and the ball," he said.
The Rangers leader said players could work on their skills.
"While self-isolation is at home, it doesn't mean you can't go out in the backyard," he said.
The Rangers are likely have a committee meeting in early May.
Pyke said that would give the club a month to reassess and prepare if the season looked likely to go ahead.
The senior coach is optimistic about the season coming back and envisions that each team would play each other once instead of twice to meet the typical September deadline.
Pyke believes the silver lining out of this unprecedented situation is sporting codes and leagues have to be creative about how they run their sports.
He's excited to see what new ideas emerge.
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