Given the current state of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, AFC Ann Arbor have made the decision to withhold both its men’s and women’s teams from any league competition in the 2020 season. The nature of the situation in the country, as well as the state of Michigan, has made it unfeasible to participate in either the USL League Two, given the cancellation of the league’s season on Thursday, or the UWS league seasons.
The difficult decision was made after conferring with the club’s board of directors and staff while remaining in close communication with both USL2 and UWS. This decision also takes into account the guidelines from health professionals.
AFC Ann Arbor will continue to provide fans with the content they know and expect from our club. We intend to place significant time and effort in giving fans a high-quality media experience despite a lack of league season on the pitch.
Head coach for the men’s side, Eric Rudland, said, “Obviously we are really disappointed with the outcome of not having a season. I felt like we had a top roster compiled, one who would have competed for a national championship.” He would also state, “With that being said, the health and well-being of our players as well as the long-term stability of our club is the most important thing, so we respect & support our wonders decision.”
Head coach for the women’s side, Boyzzz Khumalo, added, “It’s sad, but at the same time, this is what we have to do to make sure that players don’t get ill and that everybody’s staying healthy.” “Even though it hurts to go through this,” he said, “we’ll see them next year.”
“The momentum our clubs have built in League Two across the country in recent years has been tremendous, and today’s announcement – while disappointing – will do nothing to alter that,” said USL League Two Vice President Joel Nash. “We will continue to support soccer being played when and where possible in 2020 and use this time to get even stronger as a league and look forward to returning to competitive action better than ever before in 2021.”
Although the teams will not be competing, the club will continue to it’s community based initiatives, with our Community Kicks program expanding to multiple sites in Ypsilanti and Detroit due to the increased need for summer meals.
Members have been contacted about their 2020 membership and if anyone hasn’t received a communication from the club yet please reach out to info@afcannarbor.com.