Massachusetts deems soccer “moderate risk” in new COVID-19 guidelines

The Boston Bolts and New England Revolution Academy U-17 teams met in early March. (Evan Scales/NESJ)

Soccer in Massachusetts took a positive step forward Friday, as the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs released updated guidelines for youth sports.

Soccer was bumped up to “moderate risk” from “higher risk,” clearing the way for teams throughout the commonwealth to return to contact training and games. It’s also a positive omen for high school soccer in Massachusetts, with the MIAA announcing earlier this week a Sept. 14 start date for preseason camp pending this development.

Before this stage, FC Stars director of coaching Jason Dewhurst said there were a few antsy weeks as players sought a mental and physical release during the COVID-19 pandemic.