Hackney and Leyton Sunday Football League has announced that all grassroots football has been suspended in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The league traditionally takes place on the Hackney Marshes. The iconic open space, known as the spiritual home of English Sunday league football, contains over 80 pitches and hosts hundreds of fixtures every weekend.
However, the famous pitches – formerly the home ground of iconic England captains Bobby Moore and David Beckham – won’t be hosting any action for the foreseeable future.
In response to the government’s continued advice to avoid social contact, Paul Bickerton, CEO of the London FA, released a statement: “Following the Government’s announcement today, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future
“Throughout this period, we have taken the Government advice with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.”
Following a meeting on Monday March 16, the FA took the decision to ban grassroots football indefinitely, as the nation remains uncertain of the extent of the impact of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
The league will be updating further information on its website in due course, as well as informing representatives of member clubs directly.
Bickerton continued: “I recognise these are unsettling times but we’re well placed to manage this and the absolute priority at this stage is the health and wellbeing of all.”
