The Medway Messenger Youth League have said it was not an "easy decision" to keep their league matches suspended.

Under-18 football is allowed to continue under current Tier 4 regulations but the League has taken the decision not to return to playing games this month.

They have also decided to cancel all Medway Messenger Youth League cup competitions for the 2020/21 season due to the lack of remaining weeks available in the current campaign.

The league told clubs: "Following a committee meeting, it was unanimously agreed that the league will continue to be suspended whilst Medway and the surrounding areas remain in tier 4 restrictions.

"This was not an easy decision to reach and I am sure that some of you will be disappointed, however with the extremely high rates of infections and taking on board some of the devastating news we have all heard over the past couple of weeks and other obstacles that member clubs may face, we want to ensure we prioritise everyone's safety.

"As soon as the government announces a lowering of our tier, the Medway Messenger Youth League management committee will meet again ASAP and make a further announcement to all member clubs.

"It was also decided that due to the lack of remaining weeks available, all Medway Messenger Youth League cup competitions for the 2020/21 season will be cancelled.

"The position of all competitive age group leagues will be reviewed as soon as we know when we are able to safely resume."

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