Empty – but at least Port now have cash aid
DAMIEN Moore MP has welcomed the announcement of £10m funding which will help Southport Football Club and other National League clubs.
The Southport Conservative MP is pleased to see that the emergency support will ensure that 66 clubs in the fifth and six tiers of English football can continue to play behind closed doors after the return of fans was paused due to rising Covid-19 rates.
The Sandgrounders were looking forward to allowing a limited number of socially distanced fans back into the Pure Stadium this month, but the move was reversed days before the start of the season due to rising infection rates.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has now announced that National League football clubs including Southport FC will receive £10m funding as part of a unique partnership with The National Lottery.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport assured the National League emergency financial support would be forthcoming so that it was able to start the season earlier this month. All 66 clubs are playing football this season as a result.
Southport FC are currently ninth in the National League North, with a win and a draw from the first two games in their unbeaten start to the season. Southport secured their first Vanarama National League North victory of the season on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Chorley.
Earlier this year Mr Moore gave his support to the Let Fans In campaign, which was calling for supporters to be allowed back into stadia in a socially distanced way. That was during the summer, when Coronavirus cases were relatively low but unfortunately figures have since risen, leading to a number of new Covid safety restrictions.
The MP said: “I’m delighted to see funding has now been secured to ensure that Southport FC and other clubs in the National league can continue to play the current season without fans.
“Southport Football Club plays a vital role in the fabric of our community and ensuring their survival through the Covid-19 pandemic was an important thing to do.
“A huge amount of work is taking place in the background to be able to allow supporters back into the Pure Stadium and other grounds in a safe and secure manner, when the right conditions allow.
‘‘The £10m emergency support package, which will reach clubs quickly via the Football Association (FA), is in recognition of the important role National League clubs play in their local areas being a source of pride to their towns, giving children opportunities to get active, and being at the heart of their communities.
‘‘Many clubs and their supporters have also been very active in their areas throughout the pandemic, rallying round to help the elderly and isolated, and raising money for front-line charities.
Oliver Dowden said: “This £10m fund will provide a bridge to help clubs survive this immediate crisis whilst we work together on the safe return of fans.’’
He added: “I’m very grateful to National Lottery players for getting help to these community clubs so quickly.’’
Nigel Railton, chief executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said: “The National Lottery has been making a huge difference to communities across the country for the past 26 years, so we’re delighted to be working with the National League and FA to protect these essential clubs and help them to continue the vital work they carry out in their local communities.
Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, said: “The return of fans to stadiums remains a priority for us and we will continue to work with the Government and stakeholders across the game to reintroduce spectators in a safe way as soon as possible.
“Funding will be distributed to each of the 66 National League clubs to help cover their lost gate revenue from the delay to fans being permitted to return, that was originally scheduled for October 1.
‘‘The decision was taken to pause this relaxation of the rules on September 22, in order to stem rising coronavirus infection rates across the country.’’
Mr Bullngham continued: “Work continues to ensure fans can return to sporting events as soon as the public health picture allows.’’