It was around this time last year that Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur produced two of the most unbelievable comebacks in the second legs of their respective Champions League semi-finals.
We at Northern NSW Football were only a month or so into what would be one of the biggest seasons in our history.
Needless to say, much has changed in the past 12 months.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most corners of the world. And the football world has certainly not been immune.
We supported Football Federation Australia's (FFA) decision in March to suspend the 2020 season due to the coronavirus and have since been following closely health advice from state and federal government regarding our return.
Regardless of when we get on the pitch, football is going to be different this season.
We have quietly gone about our work in scenario planning for the deferred season alongside our premier clubs and seven member zones, while attempting to keep our stakeholders informed.
We plan for football to resume in early July, if approved by relevant health authorities.
But we will also be ready should the public health order be lifted earlier.
I am sure football's return will be a great relief to many that love our wonderful game, to finally be able to enjoy the feeling of putting their boots back on and getting out and playing with their mates.
And also, for the thousands of mums and dads whose children have been waiting so patiently.
Which is why we are also working closely with FFA on guidelines which aim to ensure the safety of all participants and our communities.
While our competition administrators are working towards our planned early July start, we will also continue to strictly follow government advice and only allow our players to return to the pitch when it is deemed safe.
Our role as the member federation during this crisis has been as important as ever.
We have endeavoured to be a strong voice for our members and clubs.
We have advocated for them with state government and its agencies, local government, FFA, summer sports and media.
And we will continue to do so.
Northern NSW Football is pleased infrastructure funding has continued throughout the region, despite the COVID-19 interruption, with 19 northern NSW projects recently sharing in $1.9million worth of grants.
While we are elated that government at all levels continue to see the importance in honouring grants and funding for public sporting fields for the long-term health and well-being of the community, there remains an acute need for further investment so our facilities meet participant expectation, particularly females.
Female participation in northern NSW has increased by an astounding 58 per cent since 2014.
We need to ensure we have the facilities to make further growth possible.
This includes the upgrading of most changeroom facilities, so they are female friendly.
Football is the most popular sport on the planet and the number one club based sport in Australia.
Football can also boast the strongest, finest traditions in Newcastle and northern NSW.
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Last year, the 135th season of football in northern NSW, was enjoyed by more players than in any other season in our long and celebrated history.
We had 66,500 registered players participate in the game's various formats in 2019.
The number of people playing the region's largest club-based sport has increased by an incredible 40 per cent in the last decade.
The game endured the Great Depression of the 1930s as well as two world wars.
Football survived and played on.
Given football's presence in the community, our sport will have an important role helping to rebuild communities and social cohesion when we start to return to a sense of normality.
Regardless of when we get on the pitch, football is going to be different this season.
We are all going to need to be patient, flexible, considerate and cooperative.
We will need to modify the way we schedule, prepare, play, train, referee, coach, socialise and celebrate to ensure we comply with the COVID-19 guidelines for football and keep our vast football family safe and healthy.
But like Liverpool and Spurs this time last year, we are not about to throw in the towel.
We will stick together.
We will be back stronger.
And we will get back on the pitch this season when the time is right.
