Southern league side Stratford Town have cancelled a host of games featuring some top European clubs due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Club Chairman Jed McCrory explained that the plans have been cancelled following the Coronavirus pandemic: “We were going to run a tournament in June, with some European clubs coming in, unfortunately that has now been cancelled.
“It would have been a lovely surprise for the people of Stratford to see clubs like Porto come and play.
“We were also planning the new kit launch (during the same week) and to re-surface the 3G pitch, this has all be knocked back as well.”
McCrory revealed last year that the plans would see top clubs from across Europe take part in three separate tournaments over the month of June.
“For the month of June, this club (Stratford) will be hosting academy tournaments for three weeks, for the under 14’s and under 16’s, to come and play with the likes of the Barcelona kids,” said McCrory.
“It is a chance for these kids, from your community to come and play infront of the Barcelona lads, and if they play well enough, a chance to get signed by a top club.”
With the Government announcing extended lockdown regulations to help counter the spread of Covid-19, football clubs across the country continue to face uncertainties.
The cancelling of these plans will prove to be a huge financial and commercial loss to Stratford Town, and it is as yet unconfirmed whether they will be looking to reschedule the events.