The Kappa Classic, set for the weekend of April 22 to 25 after being called off last year, has been cancelled again, with the Men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, Bermuda Alumni Chapter now planning to stage the event again in April 2022.

The tournament, which marked its 20th year in 2019 with a record 113 teams and 1,352 players, suffered a second straight cancellation because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Next month’s event would have signalled the end of the 2020-21 football season, which was stopped in December. Two weeks ago the clubs voted not to restart the season. Now the Kappa organisers decided that this year’s event will not take place.

“This decision was not taken lightly, but made with the knowledge that the Bermuda Football Association has scrapped its current season and will be looking to start back up in September,” said committee member Craig Tyrrell in a letter to the clubs.

“We have received a number of queries with respect to the status of the event by sponsors, coaches, parents and even players!

“But we believe that this is in the best interest for all as we believe giving the BFA an opportunity to start their leagues and create, test and amend protocols will only assist us in producing another spectacular event.”

The organisers, in recognising that the composition of teams will have changed in the past two years, have vowed to reimburse the participating teams of all registration fees for the tournament.

“Again, we thank you for your commitment to this tournament and we look forward to the day when we can blow that first whistle and witness the excited faces of the young participants,” Tyrrell told the clubs.