Inter County Football League Cancels 2020 Season

Inter County Football League athletes won't be playing football in the 2020 season, the league's board of executives announced in a letter Thursday.

In the letter, ICFL executives said they referenced guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association before making the decision.

"We have discussed numerous scenarios and potential protocols for safety and health during the season; unfortunately we feel there is no safe way to protect against COVID-19, and we feel the risks currently outweigh the benefits of playing football," the letter states. "Our first priority is and always will be the safety of the children in our leagues. There have been confirmed cases of the virus in surrounding areas in both youth baseball and football leagues, making the potential for our league to get hit even more a reality."

Executives wrote that members of youth baseball and football leagues in nearby areas have also tested positive for the new coronavirus, "making the potential for our league to get hit even more a reality."

ICFL leaders said the organization will use the period originally designated for the 2020 season to prepare for the 2021 season, implementing safety procedures and finding ways to adapt to the pandemic.

Suggestions for health and safety measures are welcome and should be sent to individual board members, along with questions or concerns.

The Pottstown Area Police Athletic League took to Facebook to show its support for the league's decision.

"Although we are disappointed that our children will miss out on play this year, we understand the complicated safety concerns that COVID-19 presents for a contact sport," the Facebook post read. "We will follow up with more information regarding the Cheer program, as well as refund options for those who paid more than the $1 reservation installment."

Perkiomen Valley Youth Football & Cheer echoed the police league's sentiment, writing: "We are obviously disappointed that we will not be able to have our season, but the safety of our children will always be our first priority."

The Perkoimen Valley group also said it's planning ahead for 2021 but is offering full refunds for 2020 registration fees.

Coventry Wildcats Youth Football and Cheer also took to social media to address parents and athletes in the wake of the cancellation.

"We are all very disappointed but the safety of all the kids in our program is what is most important," the Facebook post read. "The board will be meeting on Sunday to discuss the cancellation process. We will be sure to email you once we have more information."