Ipswich’s local athletes have been lacing up their boots and dusting off their rackets, after the state government last month gave the green light for community sport to resume.
A verified sporting city, Ipswich has more than 150 community sporting clubs across many different codes.
Here’s how some of the region’s sports clubs have been getting their members back to play after COVID-19.
Ipswich Croquet president Janelle Wall said they have a bit of an advantage as croquet is a natural social distancing sport.
“We are currently able to play from a normal start time and return to playing doubles, while continuing to remind members of COVID-19 requirements,” Ms Wall said.
“Given the age demographic of our players, some have elected not to return yet, but we expect them to continue to trickle back as conditions give them security around their health.”
Another club getting back into the swing of things is the local junior tennis club.
Ipswich District Junior Tennis Association secretary Stan Cuthbert said all members were excited to be returning to the courts.
“At present tennis coaching is with small groups of students,” Mr Cuthbert said.
“The social aspect is what excites our members most.
“We are working closely with Tennis Queensland to ensure procedures are in place that provide the very best protection for our players.”
Ipswich Hockey secretary Margret Mantell said the region’s hockey players were also looking forward to hitting the pitch again soon.
“While it is exciting that we have a recommencement date, we also know how important it is that we get it right,” Ms Mantell said.
“Returning to hockey will look a little different to what we are used to, but together we can implement the changes and follow the restrictions to ensure we all have a safe return to the sport we all love.”
Sports clubs can now expect to return to almost normal operation sooner after the state government on Tuesday announced that Queensland would fast track stage 3 easing of restrictions, including those placed on community sport.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said these changes would take place from Friday, 3 July.
“Kids’ sport will be back,” Mr Miles said.
“Contact sport will be back. As well as spectators. I know many parents like me who will be looking forward to busy Saturdays racing from one soccer field to another.”
