Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the 2020 OPFL season was cancelled unfortunately robbing many young athletes opportunities for recruiting and development as athletes at the SR level and in many cases the chance to compete with their teammates one final season.  Undoubtedly the damage to younger athletes at the JV and Bantam levels might be greater.  We all know youth development is critical and that athletics can be an important part of that development.  Social distancing and the many other limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic are not easy on adults and certainly are hampering youth development.  CIS/OUA Sports along with the CJFL are allowing 5 year players to return for another year of eligibility in all sports currently.  The OPFL should in turn allow another year of eligibility for 2020 players and provide the same opportunities for players at the JV & Bantam levels.  We may never fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on our youth but we owe it to them try to “return time” so that they can have every opportunity just like those prior to Covid-19.  We are aren’t looking to erase COVID-19 or minimize its impact just allow for a proper plan to be put for by the OPFL to continue to grow the game.