£10M emergency support package from The National Lottery gives lifeline to National League clubs while fans are unable to attend
We would like to thank National Lottery players for their support during these challenging times. We’re grateful to benefit from a share of the £10M of funding that has been announced for 66 National League clubs as part of a unique partnership between the National League and The National Lottery which will ensure that this season can continue.
This funding is a lifeline for our club and all National League Clubs, it will assist to mitigate the effects of behind closed-doors matches, without fans in attendance. We look forward to when our supporters can safely return to watch games, as our football club plays an important part in the hearts of many of our local community.
We run sides from Under 9’s to the First Team, and the Club plays an important role for the Torbay community. Protecting this, and the work of the other National League clubs, is essential for communities across the country. I can’t thank National Lottery players enough for this lifeline.”
The partnership with The National Lottery will benefit all clubs in the fifth and six tiers of English football, so that they can continue to play behind closed doors after the return of fans was paused due to rising infection rates. As a thank you, National Lottery players, who make a difference every time they buy a ticket, will also get a range of benefits – including free tickets once stadia are safe to reopen, grassroots football opportunities and VIP experiences at Wembley Stadium.
Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said: “The National Lottery and its players have 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 to protect these all-important clubs and help them continue the vital work they carry out locally. They do a fantastic job and I can’t wait to cheer on my local National League side when fans are allowed to return.”
