With a resurgence of cases in Victoria, and a smaller number in NSW, right as local sports were set to commence in 2020, questions have been raised as to how they will progress.

Football NSW CEO, Stuart Hodge, warned against complacency, and said guidelines must be adhered to strictly.

"I must provide a strong and timely warning against complacency and a reminder of the need to maintain vigilance in following all the required social distancing measures, particularly when attending training and football matches," Hodge said.

"Clearly, we do not want a second outbreak and certainly do not want to experience what is happening in Victoria.

"A number of isolated COVID-19 spikes here in Sydney, and what has been reported in the media in recent days concerning other sports, is a reminder that we are not over this pandemic yet.

"As a community activity, and one that brings so much joy and happiness to so many, we do not want to contribute to the further spread of the virus by letting our guard down now. By doing so, we run the risk of the re-imposition of tighter restrictions, including the potential that community sporting activities will again be suspended."

The first lockdown very nearly threatened to end the playing seasons of a number of sports, and Hodge praised the collective effort of the state's clubs and associations in adhering state government guidelines as "nothing short of extraordinary".

"At times, it felt as if the whole 2020 winter season might have been lost to COVID-19," he said.

"However, the manner in which we have all cooperated and worked to implement and follow the NSW Government's Public Health Order and, in turn, both our 'Return to Training' and then our 'Return to Play' Guidelines has been nothing short of extraordinary.

"Having visited a number of community football games over the past few weekends, it has been refreshing and rewarding to see the smiles and joy on the faces of so many of our players, both young and old."

This effort, he said, would not have been possible without the hard work of the volunteers and members of said clubs and associations, whose work was invaluable.

"Congratulations and a big thank you to the many thousands of Association and Club staff and volunteers, and to all the parents and players for the manner in which they have all collectively worked together to get our players back on the pitch," Hodge said.

The consequences of failing to adhere to the guidelines currently in place, Hodge said, would be disastrous for the sport in NSW.

"Over the next few days, Football NSW will be providing more resources and information highlighting these key messages and it is incumbent on all of us to both follow these directions and ensure others at games do the same," he said.

"Unless we all do our part, there is a very real risk that community sporting activities will be once more suspended, and I am sure none of us want this."

For more information about government guidelines regarding local sport in NSW, please visit www.health.gov.au.

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