These were the words used by Mittagong Lions Club president Matthew Aiken in response to the club's committee throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it soon became clear that Aiken was equally inspired and overwhelmed by all associated with the club - sponsors, players, supporters, the committee and volunteers all inclusive.

He proudly describes the club as a family and sings the praises of all involved as they navigate the road back to competition in 2020.

Aiken said that he had been worried about the pandemic and its impact on people and their livelihoods, especially those whose livelihoods were damaged during the height of the pandemic.

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"My prayers are with such people," he said.

"It was really hard to get your head around even thinking about playing football.

"The safety and health of our players, coaching/training staff, sponsors and supporters was paramount to us all.

"I'll go as far as saying the committee had mixed feelings about returning to the game this season.

"We're all apprehensive that's a given."

Aiken said that it had been a roller coaster of emotions.

"But once one player said they'd like to play footy again this year we had a responsibility to exhaust ourselves to make it happen," he said.

"That said we aren't taking COVID-19 lightly, so the only way to meet the challenge is to get our ducks in a row.

"A lot of hard work has already been carried out with plenty more to do. For something so difficult you want to be properly prepared.

"There are new challenges, new responsibilities. We will have to lean on our players more so than ever to make training sessions and game day possible.

"Everything crossed, we have no more hiccups and we will all see football played again soon."

Aiken said the Lions had taken "a huge hit from loss of sponsorship" in 2020.

He added that many of the sponsors had felt the "full force" of the pandemic and he encouraged the football community to support sponsors where ever possible.

Meanwhile, a return to the field in 2020 has been met with excitement from past and present club members.

"We have had a great response from our players wanting to play," Aiken said.

"On top of that we've had some ex players keen to come back as well.

"I'm expecting an incredibly tough competition, probably more so than ever, simply because it will be a more even playing field with the damage COVID has caused to clubs.

"I could only imagine some clubs won't be able to still afford big name signings.

"We're no different than any other club. We will all lose a couple of key signings and it's not necessarily about the money either. There are numerous reasons.

"Any off season signing we made is family, now so we wholeheartedly respect their decision if they decide not to play."

Aiken said the Lions had been enjoying "flying under the radar in the off season and preseason."

"We had something really cool going on then COVID hit," he said.

"After a call to arms to our players we simply, because of our family spirit, will field very competitive sides."

Aiken is hopeful those teams will include Under 18s, Ladies League Tag, Ladies Tackle, Reserve grade and First grade sides.

However, the extra responsibilities associated with COVID-19 regulations are a concern for Aiken.

"The best way to describe it is we have a catch-22 situation where we are desperate to play football, but we just need to jump these dozen plus COVID-19 hurdles first. It comes at a huge cost at every angle," he said.

"We accept that and are good for it, but the pressure it puts on the limited volunteers worries the life out of me.

"Our commitee is eternally grateful our secretary runs our football club methodically.

"I get why some clubs and groups have called it a year.

"We can only speculate what game day will look like at this present time as COVID-19 restrictions ease, but to say we will have our hands full from 6am on game day and at training would be an understatement."

One of the first hurdles for all sporting groups is to get a tick of approval from Wingecarribee Shire Council regarding risk assessment.

The Lions are patiently waiting for the thumbs up.

"We will then get the ground in order with signage and other requirements and it will be game on," Aiken said.

"It may be a disrupted season, but we're certainly not in it to just make up the numbers.

"We're fortunate enough to be able to assemble competitive sides so we will set small, realistic goals throughout the club and hopefully on the back of that we all taste finals' footy.

"It would be a huge honour to win a competition in any winter sport this year after such uncertain times.

"But we won't get ahead of ourselves, a tonne of work needs to be done yet."

Aiken said that in the meantime he wanted to thank all the players in every Lions' team for supporting the club through COVID-19.

"I'm forever saying we have something special going on at the Lions. We're a family and you're all living proof of that," he said.

"We say it time and time again, it's more than just playing footy at our club.

"To our loyal sponsors, we know you'll bounce back. You guys, like us, are resilient.

"We've got longevity and an incredible connection with them all which we treasure.

"To our faithful supporters thank you for sticking by us. we hope to repay you all with success for seasons to come.

"And to my committee, kudos to you guys and girls for doing a job that you didn't sign up for. We certainly didn't mention COVID-19 at last year's AGM, but here you all are running a club in a pandemic.

"Anyone who is reading this and isn't friends with us on FB take a look and like us...

"And please let us know if you're interested in any sponsorship opportunities here at the Lions."