Following the Government's announcements on the continuing COVID-19 situation, Mainland Football, in consultation with our clubs and the Christchurch City Council, has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the community football season in the Canterbury region. 

This decision has been made knowing that returning to play cannot happen without a week of training before games, and this is only possible under Alert Level Two. The weekend of the 18^th/19^th September was also the last weekend we would have access to the community fields here in Christchurch after the Council had extended this availability by two weeks.

Given the various restrictions and information we currently have, while also not having any clarity on the guidelines under Alert Level 2, there was unanimous agreement/understanding that it is unfeasible to play on the weekends of the 11th/12^th and 18th/19th September. Therefore, the various community football leagues and cups in Christchurch have finished for the season.

Winners of the various leagues have been decided based on several criteria – these winners, and the criteria used to select them, can be viewed here. 

Regional Tournaments, National Age Grade Tournament, National Leagues/Cups, Southern League, CSSL Bolam Cup, CSSL Trophy, Connetics Schools 1^st XI Competition and the Blackwells English Cup are not included in this decision and will follow separate timelines for decisions to be made. Nelson Bays Football and Marlborough Football are also not included.

While it is disappointing to end the season prematurely, Mainland Football is incredibly grateful to all players, coaches, officials, clubs, schools, volunteers and administrators for helping to make the 2021 season happen. Your passion, commitment, and hard work does not go unnoticed.

Article added: Thursday 02 September 2021