Southport Football Club have thanked National Lottery players for their support during these challenging times to ensure their 2020/21 season can take place.
The club is grateful to benefit from a share of the £10million 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.
Southport FC are currently unbeaten and sit fifth in the National League North after three games.
They play Boston United at home this afternoon, as the ban on fans attending games in the National Leagues and above continues.
Southport FC Head of Operations, James Tedford said: “This helps support the vital work we do in Southport and the surrounding area.
“We run sides from U7 through to U16. We put on Sports Camps and have sessions for Little Kickers and Wildcats on a Saturday morning as well as supporting our Walking Football Community project.
“We play a huge role in the area with hundreds of people coming into contact with the club’s programmes.
“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.”
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