Christmas message from BAFA’s Chief Executive
I think we can safely say that 2020 has not turned out how anyone planned, and it’s been an extremely challenging 12 months for us all.
Yet despite these difficult circumstances, and the huge disappointment of a cancelled season, I am immensely proud of how we have come together as a sport and community. The many obstacles in our way have not dimmed the collective passion, drive and commitment to our great game, and this makes me incredibly optimistic for the future.
On the topic of the future, you will hopefully have seen my update on Saturday regarding the latest restrictions and what these mean for you and your club. We will continue to keep you updated as we move into 2021, and dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and other relevant bodies will be ongoing. These new restrictions are clearly a setback as we were approaching Stage 5 of our Return to Play plan but, as ever, we will keep working hard to put in place appropriate measures to get us back playing our great game.
In the meantime, I wish everyone in our community a happy, restful and safe Christmas and New Year. While it probably won’t be the Christmas you had planned, I hope you are able to find some time to relax and unwind.
And I’d like to end with a genuine thank you. A thank you to our amazing volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy this year. Quite simply, our organisation would not run without you. And a thank you to everyone in British American football for your support, understanding and commitment over the course of 2020.
With positive steps already taken towards our new 10-year vision, I do truly believe we can head into 2021 with a real sense of optimism and purpose, ready to take on the challenges we may face and return to playing the sport we love.
Merry Christmas and stay safe.
Pete
