National League Funding Set For Average Attendance Based Distribution

The £10m funding package for clubs in the National League which was secured in partnership with the National Lottery is reportedly set to be distributed on an average attendance basis.

The decision will see former Football League clubs Chesterfield, Hartlepool, Notts County, Stockport, Torquay, Wrexham and Yeovil receive £95,000 a month, with the 16 other clubs receiving £84,000.

The funding, secured on Monday, was brokered by the government and The FA as part of a partnership with the National Lottery and 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 at the beginning of October due to rising infection rates.

Announcing the funding Culture Secretary 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.”

On the same distribution basis clubs in the National League North and South will get £30,000 a month, with Chester, Dulwich Hamlet, Hereford, Maidstone and York each set to receive £36,000 a month.

Whilst a welcome boost for clubs below the EFL, it still falls short of what is required with Hereford chairman Andrew Graham stating: “Naturally, £36,000 is a welcome grant in the current climate, but it does not cover a club as substantial as ours.”