Non-league clubs will receive a £ 10 million rescue package from the government. 850 teams in the lower strata of English football are given a crucial lifeline after being banned from playing during the lockdown
- “Non-elite” clubs at the end of the Football League will receive a £ 10 million bailout
- 850 teams receive grants from steps three through six of non-league football
- The top two levels of the National League are currently classified as “elite”.
- Sports Secretary Nigel Huddleston says they will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships
- He promised that during this crisis the government would “not let any clubs on the wall”
The government has announced a £ 10 million rescue package for football clubs whose season is not currently excluded from the elite.
Grants will be made available to save around 850 clubs in steps three through six of the non-league, whose seasons are likely to be canceled as they are not exempt from the lockdown rules.
Sports Secretary Nigel Huddleston is now also offering teams in the top two tiers of the National League that are classified as “Elite” the opportunity to apply for grants in a series beyond the financial support currently offered to those divisions.
Non-league clubs between step three and step six will receive a £ 10 million government bailout
Clubs in the National League and National League North and South received a £ 10 million bailout from the National Lottery in October, but there was controversy over the distribution model that left some clubs out of their pockets.
They have also been promised £ 11 million in loans from the government, but the majority of clubs do not accept loans and want grants.
The National League North and South are currently on pause for two weeks, while the National League continues. A vote is expected this week that could also end the season.
The top two levels of the National League are considered “elite” but can still apply for a grant
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston promised the government “not to let the clubs go to the wall”.
Huddleston said: “Today’s £ 10 million club grant in Steps 3 through 6 will serve as a lifeline for around 850 clubs in cities across England, helping those clubs through this difficult time until we can get fans back safely. “
“With valuable public money, we are supporting steps 1-2 of the National League financially in the form of loans.
“However, if clubs at these levels can demonstrate that they urgently need funding to survive, we will ensure that option is available. We’re not going to let clubs go on the wall. “
