SoccerNation reached out to our friends at Phoenix Rising FC in Arizona to find out what's happening at their club. Youth sports in Arizona are up an
SoccerNation reached out to our friends at Phoenix Rising FC in Arizona to find out what’s happening at their club. Youth sports in Arizona are up and running, mostly.
SoccerNation families: read on to find out what life and sports are like on the fields of Phoenix Rising:
SN: How long were club operations shut down because of COVID-19?
PHX: 6 weeks.
SN: Is your club back to normal operations now? It seems as though many Arizona health officials have lifted youth sports lockdowns.
PHX: We are operating within the Arizona State [soccer] Association guidelines. We are in Phase IV, but we have a 2-step procedure before normal competition. Step 1 restricts spectators and some other restrictions. That said, some local municipalities are not open yet or have some restrictions. Collectively we have worked incredibly hard together to create opportunities for our players.
Game On! (In Arizona, just not in the City of Phoenix)
SN: Are teams able to scrimmage and play in competitive games?
PHX: Yes – starting this weekend they were.
Phoenix Rising worked with their partners at ECNL to create an inter-squad schedule this past weekend:
“Enthusiastic and overjoyed”
SN: What has the reaction been to the kids and teams getting back onto the fields with their friends and coaches?
PHX: They are enthusiastic and overjoyed — it has brought some normal to their abnormal lives and enabled then to be physically active and socially interactive (but at socially distances).
Safety First
SN: What safety measures does has the club enacted to ensure the safety and health of players, coaches, and families?
PHX: We have a comprehensive set of protocols to provide a safe environment for the enjoyment of everyone. As soccer is played outdoors, the risk of transfer is slim after consulting with governing bodies and health authorities. Our protocols include our staff wearing masks while they are working with our community. We have taken a very prudent but progressive approach to return to play.
Huge thanks to Phoenix Rising for sharing your experience with us!
Stay healthy, fit and safe! We will see you on the field soon!
All images courtesy of Phoenix Rising — thank you!
