TYRONE coach Tommy Canavan has conceded that the fate of the Ulster Minor Football Championship is looking more precarious with each passing day.
But he insisted that the players have resolved to keep themselves in competitive mode, ready to return to action at short notice should the competition be given a new place in a fluid schedule.
The U17 series was postponed for a third time just before Christmas due to increased Covid-19 restrictions, with the semi-finals scheduled to go ahead this weekend.
"The further you go, you're losing a wee bit of belief that it will happen," said Canavan.
"But we have always been patient, in the belief that it will, and you want to be ready in case it does happen.
"It means a lot to these young lads of 16, 17 years of age, so hopefully they will get the opportunity to represent their county at some stage."
Strength and Conditioning specialist Canavan, one of the county's most promising young coaches, said the 2020 Minor footballers deserve to be given a chance to represent their county in a meaningful fashion.
The League was abandoned back in March after just two rounds, and the Qualifying rounds were removed from the Championship, meaning some counties played just three games.
Should the series fail to complete, he would like to see a one-off U18 competition run in parallel with the 2021 Minor Championship.
"It would definitely be an option to look at, for the lads that would have been moving on now, to make sure that they do get a chance to represent their county.
"It would definitely be something I would like to see, especially after the year that it has been for them, so broken up, and not getting to play those games."
With the provincial Championships in Connacht and Munster already completed, Ulster will have some catching up to do on the resumption of a series that still has two rounds to play.
"It is very disjointed, but the different restrictions in different parts of the country have played a part in that.
"We can only do our best and follow guidelines as best we can. First and foremost it's about keeping safe and keeping the lads and their families safe. Football comes secondary.
"But it would be great to get where the likes of Connacht and Munster are, and hopefully we will get the Ulster provincial championship played off."
But hope remains very much alive among a group of young Red Hands who have committed themselves to a cause that in their minds is far from lost.
"They have been looking after themselves very well, they're always at the ready, and mad keen to get playing again, so hopefully we will eventually be able to fulfil the fixtures and get the competition run off."
It was particularly difficult during a lengthy first lockdown back in March, when the Ulster Minor League was discontinued after just two games, against Cavan and Donegal.
Errigal Ciaran footballer Canavan was impressed by the resilience and dedication the players showed during a challenging spell in their young lives.
"I would have been looking after the physical conditioning side of things, but the rest of the coaches did their bit too, keeping things fresh and doing various challenges and activities.
"But the lads are a very motivated group, they have been very easy to work with throughout the whole time.
"It's just a pity a lot of the training has been via online platforms."
