Challenge Family,

Over the last 24 hours everyone has gained additional information about the Coronavirus, and while no one should panic it is clear that our government and health care professionals are advising all citizens and organizations to take further action to protect themselves.

Most recently, after communication with local health care professionals, Harris County officials, and following recommendations from the CDC, schools have canceled classes and athletic activities for next week. Additionally, various soccer associations have suspended play for all travel national leagues (including the Elite Clubs National League).

Directly relevant to Challenge, US Club Soccer has encouraged all members and local leagues, such as United Soccer Clubs, to follow the advice of health care professionals in our local area.

Because the health and welfare of our players, parents and coaches is always our primary concern, we feel the responsible decision is to cancel all training next week. If for any reason we gain additional information that would allow us to begin training prior to March 23rd, on an optional basis, we will let everyone know. Our local league will announce a decision on all scheduled games within the next 24 hours.

As advocates for physical well being, just because we are cancelling practices does not mean we think the girls should stay inside and not be active. We will email home workouts by the end of the weekend, and coaches will reach out to families to check to see how everyone is doing.

Similar to previous crises (Harvey, Swine Flu, etc), we recognize the importance of getting everyone back out to play as soon as possible and resuming our normal day to day routines. That said, we do not want to start a day too soon or too late and our goal is to make sure we return to training as soon as we are advised it is safe to do so.

Challenge will continue to work with our healthcare partners, government officials and our national associations for guidance. We will update you as more information becomes available.