Footballers planing to hit the ground running after easing of government restrictions

With the NSW government announcing on Tuesday that junior sport can return on July 1, the path back for senior sport is also starting to clear.

A full 22-round NSW National Premier Leagues season is unlikely to proceed, with Football NSW considering a number of options for the competition.

Read more: Joel King chasing premiership as A-League return nears

One possibility is an 11-game cup competition, which would reduce the financial burden on a number of struggling clubs.

Pending government approval, the competition is expected to start in mid-to-late July.

While Wilkshire's preference is a 22-round season with no finals, the Wolves coach said some football is better than no football.

"My position is we need to be playing," Wilkshire said. "It doesn't matter too much what it looks like, as long as it happens again.

"Now we're a step closer, we're moving in the right direction, it's looking more positive.

"Football needs to come first. Everyone understands the situation we're in, players, supporters, staff, but ultimately football has got to come first. The players want to play, they need games, competitive games."

With the semi-professional NPL sitting one rung below the A-League on the footballing hierarchy, concerns are growing the development of the next crop of players will be permanently affected.

Wilkshire, who is a member of the newly formed Golden Generation that aims to help restructure the sport to facilitate the production of international stars, believes the loss of a season could be devastating for the sport.

"This season will have a massive impact on those aiming for the A-League.

"We talk about players already not having enough game time, to go a whole year without playing, that would hinder a lot of players' ambitions and dreams.

"Australia is already behind other countries, we don't train and play enough. For them to fall even further behind, it would affect the next generation.

"It's crucial the moment the government gives us clearance to play, we're back playing."

The clearance for junior sport to return was welcomed by Football South Coast, with plans in place for competitions to commence.

FSC chief executive Ann-Marie Balliana said finalised draws are not far away, with Saturday July 4 the likely date for round one.

"All the juniors will be pumped to get back out there," Balliana said. "With the announcement coming so close to the start of training, they have something to work towards now, which is good news.

"We're expecting there to be a return to play framework, as there has been with a return to training framework.

"Once we get all the information, we'll continue the dialogue of communication with the clubs and we'll be able to provide more clarity about how the 2020 competition will look, draw-wise and logistically."

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.