South-west soccer clubs come up with alternate ways of training

That is the question Warrnambool Wolves president Brett Gasper has floated to his members as they look to combat the competition and training ban imposed by Football Federation Australia on Tuesday.

FFA announced all grassroots activities at soccer clubs across the country were suspended until April 14 due to the coronavirus.

The South West Victorian Football League - which includes the Wolves, Warrnambool Rangers, Corangamite Lions, Stawell Pioneers, Hamilton Raiders, Deakin Dragons - still expects to start its season on April 19.

Gasper said his club had to re-think how it went about training as a way to maintain its members' skills.

"We are actually looking at doing some virtual training sessions and giving them some information for kids to practice their skills and some sort of fitness programs put forward as well," he said.

"All our programs would mean they can train in a backyard, do a little bit and still be involved and have some form of contact with the club.

"That is the goal at this stage as the season start is still going ahead. We are planing to be prepared for that."

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Warrnambool Rangers president and senior coach Cam Pyke said the club had expected the decision from FFA. The Rangers also play in the top men's division in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association, which starts on April 17.

"It's disappointing not being able to play as we've been doing pre-season and a lot of guys have got into shape and having a month off undoes all that work but we understand the bigger picture," Pyke said.

"I have encouraged them all to stay fit as they thought in this kind of situation means sitting in their rooms playing FIFA but they are still able to get out and do activities even if it is not to the same extent as before."

Both clubs said they would continue to pass on any new information they received from FFA and/or Football Victoria.

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