Anderson associate donates a further £1.25m to support Scottish football
● SPFL clubs and their related charities to benefit from fund that totals £4, 375,000
Hearts benefactor James Anderson has helped secure more funding for Scottish football as one of his associates has donated £1.25 million to the SPFL Trust.
When Anderson gifted £3.125m two weeks ago to help all 42 senior clubs cope with the coronavirus crisis, he pledged to introduce more wealthy backers offering cash.
The total donated to the SPFL Trust now stands at £4,375,000 following the latest offering from one of his philanthropist friends who wishes to stay anonymous.
Anderson and other benefactors have given millions of pounds of their own fortunes to Hearts in recent years.
Charities attached to Scotland’s football clubs can now apply for a grant of £10,000 from the £1.25m. There are 28 of those in total.
“When James Anderson said he believed that his donation would be the start of something, he was absolutely true to his word,” said the SPFL Trust chief executive, Nicky Reid.
“James has brought forward someone else whose donation and future commitment will make a significant difference to the lives of so many. Although I cannot name the donor who has stepped forward to support the SPFL Trust and club associated charities, I want to acknowledge their extraordinary generosity.
“They have seen the power our clubs have to support those in need, in Scotland. The initial donation will enable us to now launch a £280,000 fund to support club-associated charities, enabling them to continue their important work.
“Each will be able to apply for £10,000 and, like the club fund, we will aim to process this as quickly as possible.
“I said two weeks ago that Scottish football has this incredible power to change people’s lives, and the funding we have received (and will receive in future) will help ramp up these efforts. In every way it’s a game changer.”
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