On November 12th 2021, President of the Dominica Football Association (DFA), Mr. Glen Ettienne, provided an update on the impact of Covid-19 on the sport of football.
According to him, “The Dominica Football Association is facing unprecedented times in the management of football on island. The Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges that we have dealt with and we continue to deal with as an association.”
Mr. Ettienne expressed that while it is the association’s primary goal to promote football in the country, appropriate steps had to be taken to combat the spread of Covid-19. “Firstly we had to cancel the 2021 league season due to the increased number of cases on island and the existing state protocols which does not promote competitive play. However, we do understand that the health and safety of all players come first,” he stated.
Secondly, he noted that the under 17 girls team were unable to participate in the CONCACAF under 17 Qualifiers as some persons from the delegation contracted the Covid-19 virus during the time that they were due for travel. This to him was an unfortunate occurrence as both the players and management were looking forward to this tournament.
Ettienne went on to express, “Thirdly, we are currently participating in the CONCACAF under 20 qualifiers in the Dominican Republic and all our players and coaching staff are vaccinated. As an association, we are guided by the Covid-19 protocols of the state. Therefore, we have not imposed any vaccination mandate to our affiliate but we encourage vaccination out of concern for our stakeholders and for the public health by extension.”
Moreover, president of the DFA urged everyone to stay safe and to continue to follow the Covid-19 protocols. He expressed that it is his wish that football will someday recommence on every playing field across the island with limited restrictions.
Accordingly, he believes that as a people, significant strides can be made to ensure that sports returns unaffected. He ended hopeful and confident stating, “We can get it done so let’s get it done.”
