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DC United vs Bermuda game at the USVI Soccer Association's soccer stadium in Estate Bethlehem in November 2019. Photo Credit: VI CONSORTIUM
The USVI Soccer Association announced this week the resumption of soccer at its Bethlehem Soccer Complex beginning Sunday.
"We are providing an opportunity for the male adults of our member clubs to return to the soccer field," the association said in a release.
The association said it will be following the V.I. Dept. of Health's Covid-19 protocols as well as the association's own guidelines. "We anticipate hosting a series of games weekly. The USVI Department of Health will access USVISA’s execution of our COVID-19 Competition Guidelines and authorize games on a weekly basis," said the association.
The first game kicks off on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. where teams Prankton and Rovers will face off. "The USVI Department of Health will decide when it is feasible to allow spectators at the facility," the association said. "We urge our members, stakeholders, and fans to abide by this USVI government issued mandate."
"Individuals not actively participating in game day activities are asked not to visit the Bethlehem Soccer Complex," the association added.
Six of the USVISA nine member clubs have indicated their intention to participate in the competition. A schedule will be issued weekly, according to the release.
This competition is an opportunity for Club players to get back to game fitness and soccer activities, the association said. The 2019-2020 Men’s League was suspended at the end of February due to the pandemic.
Everyone participating in the return to soccer activities must abide by the following:
- All teams and match officials must submit a list of those attending the match to include - full name, dob and contact number, as mandated by DOH.
- All game participants – players, referees, coaches, and managers - must be tested (and provide negative test results) - to be allowed entry.
- Coming outside of the actual game performance (during breaks) is not permitted.
For more information on other USVI Soccer Association programs, contact the USVI Soccer Association office at (340)-719-9707 or email us at [email protected].
