Merrivale becomes third WDFNL club to pull pin on 2020 juniors

Tigers joint president Matthew Gleeson said the club's committee made the decision on Wednesday night due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's a tough one you want to keep kids playing but at the same time you have to weigh up all the health risks," he said.

Gleeson said it would be disappointing for the club's youngsters who were excited to play.

"Oh they're champing at the bit to play," he said.

"They're probably losing out of the whole situation but as a club we decided to put safety first."

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Gleeson said safety was the main reason the club pulled the pin.

But he said another factor was the Tigers' volunteers and resources would have been stretched if they stayed in the competition.

Gleeson thanked first-year WDFNL president Kylie Murphy and the league board for their efforts during a turbulent year for sport.

"She's had to cope with a fair bit of pressure in her first year," he said.

Gleeson and fellow club president Luke Attrill also released a statement on Merrivale's Facebook page on Friday.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly but feel that it is the right one to make in regards to the safety and well-being of all involved," it read.

"We as a club are very much looking forward to season 2021 in what we hope will see us back on the netball court and football field in much better circumstances.

"We hope that everyone will take care of themselves and the community by doing their part in these uncertain times."

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