Dear Bentleigh Greens football family
At the beginning of 2021 we all had high hopes for Season 2021.
The year got off to a great start for the Club with all NPL Junior Boys teams progressing to Division 1 and all our teams playing a positive style of football.
Unfortunately, 2021 has turned out to be another difficult year for Melbournians and the entire football community.
Due to State Government lockdowns Football Victoria called an end to the 2021 season on 3 September 2021.
This was a disappointing outcome for all, but we agree that given the circumstances there was little alternative.
During this period Bentleigh Greens understands that our entire football family has been doing it tough. The club would like to reiterate our offer to each of our players and their families that if you require support please do not hesitate to ask.
The recent announcement by the Victorian Government of a ‘roadmap’ out of the current restrictions has given us hope that football will return in 2021. We anticipate that further announcements will be made by the Victorian Government on how community sport can return and under what conditions in the coming weeks.
Since the cancellation of the season was announced our committee worked tirelessly to pick up the pieces of season 2021.
This has meant assessing the financial consequences, talking to existing coaching and support staff about their future ambitions and planning for the 2022 season.
This has not been easy as the club has had little guidance from Football Victoria on what season 2022 might look like and when we might get back on the pitch and on what conditions.
You may have seen on social media that other clubs have advertised trial dates for their teams. Bentleigh Greens has prudently waited for more definitive updates on the ‘Victorian Roadmap’ and as such the club has chosen to spend the time working on a more detailed plan for bringing our players back to Kingston Health.
Over the coming days and weeks Bentleigh Greens will make several announcements about the 2022 season and our approach to finalising season 2021. Announcements will provide information on trial dates and processes, achievements and initiatives for 2021/2022 seasons, refunds and registration/payment details.
You may have heard that Football Victoria has announced its own refund policy for clubs.
Bentleigh Greens is committed to returning any refund received on behalf of individual players to those entitled under the policy. Please note that the Football Victoria Refund Policy relates only to Football Victoria’s component of the fees for competitions administered by them and only a percentage of that amount.
Bentleigh Greens looks forward to sharing more information with you soon and hopes that you and your family are staying safe and healthy.
Trif Rellos
President
On behalf of the Bentleigh Greens Soccer Club
