AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) welcomes today’s announcement by the Northern Territory Government (NTG), in which they have formally released a three-stage roadmap to help determine the NT’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The NTG roadmap states that Stage 3 (June 5) will allow for the resumption of all sports and competitions, including spectator attendance.
AFLNT is currently working through its ‘Return to Play’ roadmap for both training and playing and will also work closely with the AFL on a timetable for the resumption of Australian Football competitions in the Territory.
Separately, the NTG has earmarked Thursday June 18 as the date to reopen Biosecurity Zones, however, has also indicated this will be subject to a decision by the Federal Government.
AFLNT places great importance on when Biosecurity Zones and access between remote communities becomes accessible as all three of its community football competitions; the TIO Central Australian Football League (CAFL), the Barkly Australian Football League (BAFL) and the Big Rivers Football League (BRFL) involve participation from remote community teams affected by the current biosecurity measures.
In regards to AFLNT’s remote development projects, of which the majority have remained operational during this time, the plan will be to return to usual programs in line with the NTG roadmap; whereby self-contained community football can commence from June 5.
AFLNT aims to communicate a further update to all stakeholders pending expected government and AFL announcements over the coming weeks, and will do so with enough time for NT football leagues and clubs to prepare.
