Scottish Football Partnership grant will help Highland League clubs make a safe return to football from the coronavirus shutdown
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HIGHLAND League football clubs will receive grant money to help them return to action from the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.
The Scottish Highland Football League (SHFL) has been awarded financial support by the Scottish Football Partnership (SFP) to distribute to its member clubs.
The grant from SFP will be used to support all Highland League clubs in putting Covid-19 mitigation measures in place at their home grounds ahead of the expected resumption of play in October.
Read more: October start for shortened Highland League season
Last week it was confirmed that the Highland League season had been pencilled in for a start on Saturday October 17, possibly preceded by cup competitions.
But Highland League secretary Rod Houston warned that all clubs faced big challenges in carrying out the work required to ensure safety for their staff and for future spectators at matches.
With the SFP money, clubs could purchase hand sanitisers, dressing room disinfection equipment and track and trace software.
In addition, small alteration works to dressing rooms to assist in making them Covid compliant will qualify for support.
Reacting to news of the award, SHFL President Raymond Cardno said: "This is great news for the Highland League and gives our clubs important support at a time when there is much work to do to get ready for matches starting again.
"We are hugely grateful to the Scottish Football Partnership which has again demonstrated its support for all levels of the game."
