THE ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus has resulted in sports in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire being suspended until at least Friday April 3 depending on reviews from governing bodies, writes Rob Stevens.

The National League decided in its board meeting last Friday to use its best endeavours to keep the season going in the face of unprecedented adversity.

Slough Town made the trip to Weymouth but suffered a 2-0 defeat on the South coast in the National League South on Saturday.

With the coronavirus reaching pandemic levels the League has now accepted that the situation is out of its own control. It is clearly not practical for its fixtures to be fulfilled in the immediate future.

The League decided in a board meeting today (Tuesday) that its competition is now suspended until at least Friday April 3.

The League will continue to monitor the situation but trusts that its loyal clubs and supporters plus volunteers will accept that it had no other choice but to reach this decision.

The BetVictor Southern League announced last Friday it had postponed all fixtures between March 14-21 but following a conference call with other leagues forming steps one-four in the National League System has decided that all matches be suspended until April 3.

The likelihood is that matches will not start again on Saturday April 4 and in the meantime the BetVictor League will work with all others in the game to ensure that clubs are kept up to date with the latest information.

It cannot be stressed too much that these are unprecedented times. The board will do what it can to ensure that football can recommence as soon as possible and that the League does not put more pressure on clubs financially while the future is unknown.

The Hellenic League and all local grassroots football – including the East Berkshire League and the Thames Valley Football Development League – has suspended football for the foreseeable future following an announcement from the Government today (Tuesday).

A statement from the Football Association read: “People have been advised to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, so we now advise that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future.

“We have taken Government advice with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.

“We are in regular communication with the Government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review.”

The RFU announced on Monday that all rugby activity has been suspended until Tuesday April 14 subject to continued review.

England Hockey took the decision on Monday to suspend all nationally run activity until at least Wednesday April 15.

It urges leagues and clubs plus others who deliver hockey on a local level to support the approach.

England Hockey will continue to monitor the situation carefully and react as best it can during these unprecedented times.

It will keep everyone in the hockey family as up to date as possible and look forward to hockey returning to normal when the time is right.

The England Ice Hockey Association confirmed all competitive activity up to and including Sunday May 31 is cancelled.

All leagues will be amended to complete standings for the 2019/20 season. Training may continue subject to current government advice.

The Maidenhead District Netball League has decided to suspend games with immediate effect. It will watch the situation but hopes it might be able to finish the season over the summer.

National League – Friday April 3

BetVictor League – Saturday April 4

Hellenic League and grassroots – no set date

Rugby – Tuesday April 14

Hockey – Wednesday April 15

Ice Hockey – Monday June 1

Maidenhead District Netball League – no set date