After missing the whole of the 2020-21 season because of the Covid pandemic, as well as the first half of the current campaign, the Corona League will make a welcome return tonight with two matches at Goose Gosling Field.

New team YGS Football Club will make their debut in the 7pm match when they play the Royal Bermuda Regiment, with Tuff Dogs playing Onions FC in the second match.

Mike McGrath, president of the Corona League, is excited to have the league back after what has been a challenging time for all sports. They plan to get in two rounds of league games in the seven-team league.

“I am delighted to announce the return of the Corona League which will hit the turf again on Friday,” McGrath said in a press release yesterday.

“The teams were extremely disappointed that we couldn’t get a 2020-21 season going and were determined not to let that happen again. Following government protocols, we are confident we can safely deliver another exciting season and look forward to kicking off.

“2022 sees us welcoming two new teams to the league, YGS FC and Inter Bda who join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Tuff Dogs, Footy Kings, Onions FC and Robin Hood.”

McGrath added: “Kick off times will be Fridays 7pm and 9pm and Saturdays 4pm which will see us complete the league and then follow that excitement with the Corona League Cup competition.”

Attendance requirements at Corona matches have changed since the last matches were played in 2020, with spectators now required to have a negative antigen test and a SafeKey prior to entry.

“Spectators are welcome to come to the Goose Gosling Field at BAA to share in the excitement and drama of the games and cheer their teams on,” McGrath said.

“The games will be a SafeKey event and spectators will be required to bring identification to accompany their SafeKey as well as confirm a negative antigen test on the day of the game.“

Tonight’s opening matches will be followed tomorrow by a match at 4pm between Footy Kings and Robin Hood.