Newtownabbey sports clubs cancel events due to coronavirus

Sports teams across Newtownabbey have cancelled club events due to the current coronavirus pandemic.
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Ballyclare Colts Football Club have cancelled all matches and training.

Posting on social media, coach, Stephen Hughes said: “All matches and training has now been suspended until further notice.

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“We trust you all understand our decision. Our committee will be in contact with our coaches next week.

A number of matches have been cancelled.A number of matches have been cancelled.
A number of matches have been cancelled.

“Thank you for your support and understanding.”

Rathcoole FC have also moved to cancel matches and training.

A club statement issued today (Friday) said: “As we all face unprecedented territory, for the time being at least, this week’s fixtures and next week’s training are set to be cancelled.

“No one loves football more than we do, however the health and wellbeing of our members and the health and well being of the community must take priority.

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“All things considered, we will continue to examine our position on a week by week basis.”

Meanwhile, Greencastle Rovers FC took the decision to cancel last night’s scheduled training session.

A club spokesperson said: “As concerns and fears around the spread of Covid-19/coronavirus intensify, we believe the best approach is to cancel training for March 12.

“At the moment there are very uncertain feelings around what is going to happen regarding work, school closures, public gatherings and sporting events.

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“We feel, when it comes to amateur football, the common sense decision is to err on the side of caution and play it safe.”

Club activities at Glengormley-based GAA club, St Endas have also been cancelled.

A club spokesperson said the decision was taken after information was relayed to local clubs from the Co Antrim board.

The spokesperson added: “All Naomh Éanna CLG activities will be cancelled until further notice.

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“This shall remain in place until such time that further information is available. Unfortunately this means that the club dinner will be postponed until later in the year.

“We appreciate your cooperation at this time.”

A number of events associated with Mallusk Harriers have also been cancelled.

A spokesperson for the Newtownabbey athletics club said: “We are a running club with our roots fully in our community. As such we owe it to ourselves and our local community to do whatever we can to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“We feel it would be improper of us to take any chances with regard to this virus. If we are later found out to have overreacted, at least we know we acted in the best interests of our members and community. It is important to note that while many of us are fortunate to be relatively fit and healthy, we all have friends and close family who are not so fortunate.

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“We understand that this is an ever changing and developing situation and as a club we will continue to monitor it.”

The spokesperson stated there will be no Junior training until further notice, no strength and conditioning training (Monday) at the Hub until further notice and the Run Newtownabbey – couch to 5k is postponed.

The spokesperson confirmed that outdoor training on Tuesday night and Thursday night will remain. However this will be reviewed on a day by day basis.

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