The first Ballarat football competition has been cancelled due to coronavirus, with the youngest players to sit out 2020.
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The Ballarat Football Netball League has cancelled the Western Bulldogs Under-9 competition, citing health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason.
The new competition, which only formed in 2019, will instead look towards next year.
The league was also set to welcome the league's newest team, the Woady Yalloak Warriors.
In a statement released by the league it said the safety of the young footballers, as well as their families and club volunteers, was of utmost priority.
"We are disappointed to have to make this decision, but ultimately the safety, health and wellbeing of our players and their families must take precedence during these times," said BFNL Manager Shane Anwyl.
"With over 400 players, their family members and volunteers in attendance each Friday night, it is felt that it is not currently practical, or safe to have these numbers attending football."
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As for the remaining competitions within the league, it could still be four weeks until a decision is reached.
The league has set a deadline of June 26, by which time a final decision will be made as to the commencement or cancellation of the 2020 season for all other grades of junior football and netball.
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