The A-League was suspended with just six rounds remaining, yet the competition is the furthest from returning to the pitch.

Even the struggling Rugby Australia has firmer plans for a reboot of Super Rugby.

Read more: Illawarra Academy of Sport leads push for government support

Little is known about an A-League start date, except for plans to complete the season by the end of August and the likely use of a central hub.

Given the limited details released, former Socceroo Craig Foster said it's vital all parties work together to facilitate a return to the pitch.

"It's very problematic," Foster said. "I understand there's some proof clubs are reticent to start again because of commercial factors. It's deeply disappointing to everyone.

"The clash that happened between the clubs and players was already an early warning sign of commercial issues in the professional game. We all hope those can be sorted out to satisfy everyone.

"It's critical players are also protected. They're the gold dust of football, the stars, the most important element. Hopefully a resolution can be found and we can get back to playing as soon as practically possible in the safest manner."

Fellow Socceroo and Wollongong Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire also lamented the lack of haste in which the FFA has acted over the past two months.

"Sadly I have to say football has been the slowest out of all the codes," Wilkshire said. "You look at the A-League, they're still not back and not sure when they'll be back.

"Then we have things going on with the Golden Generation, so it's an interesting time for football."

Wilkshire was referring to the wave of former Socceroos that have recently added their voice to the national football discussion.

The Albion Park product is a member of a newly formed body, The Golden Generation, which features players from the famed 2006 World Cup side that progressed to the second round of the tournament.

The group, led by Craig Moore, hopes to help facilitate structural change to the sport in Australia.

Its formation comes as the FFA has recently welcomed a number of former stars back into the fold, establishing a panel of retired players and coaches to advise their Football Development Committee.

The two groups hope to work together to grow the sport.

Wilkshire has welcomed the FFA's willingness to renew ties with ex-Socceroos, however Foster said it's time for those former players to transition from advisory roles to leadership positions.

"The value being placed on the opinions of legends of the sport has increased recently, that's positive," Foster said. "My message to those former players now is they need to have a more substantial role.

"The time has passed for players to just sit on committees or adjunct committees, the players need to take the next step.

"I'm always pleased to see players involved, but the next step for players is to position themselves to inherently important roles in governance and management. Bring that experience to the day-to-day decision making.

"We've had committees since 1974, they are important, but in my view, they are no longer enough. It's time for players to understand in the future they have to hold these leadership roles in our sport."

Foster's comments came ahead of his guest commentary stint for the final of Saturday night's Play for Lives Cup.

The FIFA video game tournament was contested by Football South Coast clubs, with Jamberoo defeating Gerringong in the final.

The teams involved helped to raise more than $3000 for the Black Dog Institute throughout the competition.

Foster's social work will continue in the coming weeks, with the human rights advocate working with the Play for Lives charity and local football clubs to help create care packages for those struggling throughout the coronavirus crisis.

"I'm advocating for sport to help out society in every possible way," Foster said. "That's what Play for Lives is about.

"Sport is one of the most marvellous social support networks that we have to fall back on. Parts of society are in great need at this time and we can contribute across a range of fields.

"We're encouraging the football community as they get back to training to use that as a wonderful opportunity to bring non-perishable foods to their first session to pack care hampers for vulnerable communities."

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