Highland League clubs land share of £1.35 million coronavirus support cash issued by Scottish FA and National Lottery
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HIGHLAND League clubs will receive a slice of the pie from a £1.35 million Covid-19 aid package.
The cash is being issued by the Scottish FA and National Lottery and will ensure that clubs in the Highland, Lowland, East, West and South of Scotland Football Leagues will receive vital financial support on their recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
Many of the clubs are either unable to play competitive matches or cannot play in front of fans, depriving them of much-needed income.
At present, Huntly, Deveronvale, Turriff United, Formartine United, Inverurie Locos and Fraserburgh have to deny their supporters access to their grounds for matches because Aberdeenshire lies in the second tier of Scottish coronavirus restrictions.
The funds will play a key role in ensuring that clubs within the pyramid survive the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and provide essential community benefit throughout the winter months.
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “Fans are the lifeblood of our national game and local clubs the lifeblood of communities.
“The importance of protecting that bond has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on everyday life across the country.
“The power of football is integral to our society and it will play an integral role in our emergence from the restrictions.
“That is why today’s announcement is so significant in reinforcing football’s status as our national game.
“The support package and partnership announced today will be welcomed by the clubs and on behalf of the game I would like to thank National Lottery players.”
Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland: “Football is hugely important to many people in Scotland, bringing together local communities.
“The National Lottery has been helping communities across the UK for many years and Scottish football, like all sport, has suffered immensely due to the pandemic.
“The partnership with The National Lottery is excellent news and will play a vital role in helping our clubs until fans can safely return to football grounds.”
Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot: “The National Lottery and its players make a massive difference to communities across the UK day in, day out – and have been doing so since 1994. So, we’re thrilled to be working with the Scottish FA to support these incredibly important clubs, enabling them to continue playing such an important role in their local communities.
“I am a huge football fan and think all Scottish fans will be delighted to know that their clubs are getting the support they need.”
As a thank you, National Lottery players - who make a difference every time they buy a ticket - will receive a range of benefits including free match tickets once stadia have fully reopened and VIP experiences including with the Scotland national teams.
The Scottish FA and The National Lottery are keen to reinforce the vital link between local clubs and their communities.
The partnership follows a similar initiative between the FA and National League in England, the FAW and Cymru Leagues in Wales and the Irish FA and the Northern Ireland Football League. The money for these initiatives is coming from a National Lottery promotional fund. It is not being funded by money allocated for National Lottery Good Causes or by Camelot.
