With Monday’s news of the Arena Football League cancelling the 2009 season, the Georgia Force have started to issue refunds to all fans who have purchased tickets.

“We are disappointed that we will not be playing in the 2009 season, but we agree with and support the need for the Arena Football League to take this time to strengthen its financial foundation to ensure long-term success,” Georgia Force president Dick Sullivan said in a press release.

On Monday, the AFL announced that its owners voted to suspend play for the 2009 season to focus on strengthening the league for 2010 and beyond.

“We are very proud of the achievements of the Georgia Force over the last four seasons of ownership,” Sullivan said. “We hope to field another strong team in 2010.”

Full refund checks will be mailed immediately to Georgia Force fans who have already purchased tickets for the 2009 season. Questions regarding refunds or any other matter can be made by leaving a message at 888-55-FORCE.

The Georgia Force finished the 2008 season with a 10-6 record, the club’s first back-to-back winning seasons in its history. The Force, which practices in Flowery Branch, won three Southern Division Championships in the last four years.