Horsham and District Soccer club has deferred its re-entry into the Ballarat District Soccer Association for another year.
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The club was set to field a team in the men's division one open competition for the 2020 season.
However, due to volunteer numbers and travel restrictions brought about by COVID-19, the club was forced to withdraw its entry.
BDSA boss Herman Bogers said the country club would set its sights on the 2021 season.
"They were only just coming back into the fold but the virus has made things a bit difficult," he said.
"We've still got nine teams in division one and we are happy with that. It's a very strong competition."
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The club hoped to test its might in the top grade after claiming the men's division two open cup championship in 2018.
Bogers said it was set to field multiple junior teams as well. He was hopeful this would be only a minor setback for the club.
"It's not a big area for recruitment but they were looking quite good this year as far as numbers went," he said.
"They are continuing to grow and that's a good thing."
Horsham is the second club to pull the pin on the BDSA season.
A fortnight ago the association confirmed Maryborough would not compete for the division one open cup due to the financial impacts of coronavirus.
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Despite the losses, Bogers said he was happy with the amount of team registrations, given the circumstances.
"It's looking healthy so far," he said.
"Some clubs will be down and other clubs will be up, it will be interesting to see when final entries come in on the 28th."
Last week the BDSA cemented a date to recommence play. All junior competitions will commence full contact training from June 22, before kicking off the opening round on July 12.
Meanwhile senior competitions will begin full contact training on July 13 for a July 26 start.
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