RELEASE: 3/13/2020, 2:15PM ET

 

Hello Hotspurs Family,

We have grown our Hotspurs Family and bonded over the years, and while football is what brought us all together, family is what we value most. We believe in doing our part to protect that family and the Pittsburgh community.

With this effort, we’re playing our role in helping encourage social distancing while medical professionals work effortlessly to combat this virus.

Effective today, all Hotspurs activities are suspended. We’ll re-evaluate ongoingly and provide club updates throughout the weeks as we learn more.

Coaches will be in contact through Teamsnap/email to discuss any specific activities/events for athletes as needed.

We will continue to monitor and work closely with the public health organizations, as well as each of our participating leagues. See below for info on a few specific canceled events.

While we can’t wait to be back on the pitch with each of you, THIS is the movement we need to all fully support in a time of uncertainty.

Stay safe Hotspurs Family,

  • Tommo, Academy Director
  • Dan Grant, Club Operations Director
  • Ron Hitchens, Club President
Events:
  • Girls College Showcase – canceled and will not be rescheduled at this time.
  • Men’s and Women’s First Team Tryouts – March 14th session canceled, April 11th session will be the only additional spring tryout.
  • League games – will be rescheduled as needed/per league guidance\
  • Academy training sessions – once all is resumed, we’ll re-evaluate options to provide additional training sessions.

RELEASE: March 11th, 2020, 4:55pm ET

 

Hi Parents,

At this point, we’re all familiar with the spreading of the Coronavirus through the US. Many of the leagues we’re in have released statements and all are closely monitoring the CDC/WHO recommendations. We’re following suit.

Our top priority is our players, families, and coaches safety. All scheduled activities will currently go on as scheduled. If at any time you do not feel safe to send your athlete to practice due to spreading concerns, please simply update your Teamsnap availability. 

SPIRE last weekend:
To that end, in an effort to keep everyone informed, at SPIRE this past weekend were 2 players that had possible exposure on a bus trip to someone who has tested positive for the Coronavirus. To date, the young men are asymptomatic. No one from our sites had contact with opposition players or coaches and washed hands after every game. We will continue to update you as we receive any further information on these players, as well as other events in the region.

General Recommendations:
Based on the facts provided by the CDC, we still recommend everyone follows the protocols and best practices set forth. We encourage everyone to review the proper CDC hygiene procedures on-and-off the field, including general guidelines outlined by the USSF and USASA:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Don’t shake hands during or after a game.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Additional Resources:
Please see the following additional resources and communications which may provide further answers to your questions.

·       CDC – Coronavirus Overview
·       CDC – Travel Recommendations (China)
·       CDC – Frequently Asked Questions
·       CDC – Travelers Health
·       WHO – Advice for Coronavirus
·       U.S. Department of State – Country Specific Travel Information
·       USOPC – Coronavirus Update

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support.

– Tommo

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