£10m package to preserve our clubs
Lifeline to help teams in Steps 3-6 cope with financial impact of pandemic
SPORTS Minister Nigel Huddleston has announced that non-league clubs at steps three to six of the National League System will receive up to £10 million to protect their immediate future after almost a year of financial struggle brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Steps 3-6 include the Northern Premier League, of which Ramsbottom United are members, and the North West Counties League, where Bacup Borough ply their trade.
A statement released by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, confirmed that clubs will be contacted directly by the Football Foundation on how to make an application for the funds. The statement also claimed funds will be distributed quickly to clubs through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.
“We promised to support sports and target help to where it’s most needed. Today we continue to deliver on that with further support for National League football clubs, “Sports Minister Huddleston said.
“The National League has already benefited from the Government support schemes through a £10 million Government-brokered cash partnership with the National Lottery, and there will be more support for the bigger clubs on the way. The £10 million grant for lower league clubs in Steps 3-6 will act as a lifeline for around 850 clubs in towns and cities across England, and help these clubs through this difficult period until we can get fans back in safely.”
Meanwhile, the Rams, Bacup and clubs across the region have received an update from the Football Association regarding the recent National League System survey they sent out. All ‘none elite’ football was suspended by the FA at the start of January after England was placed into a third national lockdown.
Clubs at steps three to six were then sent a survey by the FA asking for their thoughts on whether to continue or curtail the 2020/21 season.
The survey closed on Friday, January 22, and the FA have now confirmed that they will consider the information provided by clubs before making their proposals to the FA Council.
“The FA would like to provide an update in relation to the recent survey sent to clubs at Steps 3 to 6 of the National League System,” a statement from the FA read.
“Submissions were made by 99.1% of clubs at Steps 3 and 4 and 95.8% of clubs at Steps 5 and 6. The FA would like to thank the clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing responses at what we appreciate it an incredibly challenging time for everyone.
“The FA’s Alliance & Leagues Committees now have a large amount of data and information to consider before determining a proposed way forward. Ultimately any proposal made by the committees will be put to FA Council for consideration. FA Council will then make any final decision on a way forward.
“The Alliance and Leagues Committees recognise the desire for clubs to be updated whilst these issues are being carefully considered. Therefore, both Committees commit to providing updates to Leagues and Clubs as the process progresses; and remain mindful of the difficulties faced by clubs at present. Further information will follow in due course.”