Message from the Chairman. The Covid-19 Pandemic closes League

Dear Colleague

Surrey County Intermediate League (Western) – Covid-19 Pandemic

Firstly, a message to share with everyone within our football environment.

Our primary focus in the coming months is, without doubt, to look after our families and loved ones, to support our communities and work together to come through what is clearly the most extreme test that we’ve all faced in any of our lifetimes.

Please continue to follow the guidelines given to you by our Government and the National Health Service. Ensure you keep your hands washed and continue the sensible precautions put in place to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus. We must protect those most vulnerable. That responsibility lies with us all.

It cannot be stressed enough that these are unprecedented times and the League Management Committee will do what it can to ensure that football can recommence as soon as possible and that the League does not put more pressure on Clubs financially whilst the future is unknown. We are conscious of the financial uncertainty affecting clubs and consequently, every family with the unique challenges of self-isolation and the loss of routine to normal working and social life.

Again, on behalf of the League Management Committee, I wish you and your families the very best at this very difficult time.

Derek Stovold
Chairman
Surrey County Intermediate League (Western)


Current Position with Grassroots Football

Closure of 2019-2020 Season – Step 3 to Step 7
The FA has directed that this Season will close with immediate effect. Please read the statement from the FA by using this link: http://www.thefa.com/news/2020/mar/26/national-league-system-womens-football-pyramid-grassroots-covid-19-update-260320

Step 3 to 7 Leagues have been instructed (by the FA) to expunge all results and tables for the 2019-2020 Season and the planned restructure at Step 6 is also deferred until 2021-2022 Season. Furthermore, this instruction says there will be no promotion and relegation between those Leagues. As the Surrey Elite Intermediate League (SEIL) is a Step 7 League the results and tables in that competition are now expunged. It is anticipated that there will be no movement of teams in or out of that League.

How does this affect the SCILW?
The SCILW Management Committee has unanimously agreed that our League will abide with the FA instructions given to Step 7 Competitions. It means that the SCILW 2019-2020 Season is now closed and all results and tables are expunged. Likewise, the League Cup Competitions are also expunged. We don’t anticipate any movement of teams in or out of our League.

We know that some Clubs may be unhappy with this decision, but we believe we are acting in the best interests of the game given the current circumstances we are facing.

Information for Clubs Struggling Financially
Financially, some of our Clubs may find it very difficult in the coming months so we’re looking at ways that we can provide support. We don’t want any of our Clubs to fold, so please let us know if your Club is having problems. Sport England is providing an emergency fund to help clubs in financial need. Go to the Surrey FA website to find details about this.

We are also considering a free league subscription fee for our Clubs for next season if the league funds allow us to do so.

Moving Forward
The Annual General Meeting is due to be held in June but there is a distinct possibility that we will have to delay it. We are considering several options and will keep you informed as to when and how the AGM will take place.

Finally
We intend to keep you informed of league matters via email and newsletters.

Please stay safe and well