£10M emergency support package from The National Lottery gives lifeline to National League clubs while fans are unable to attend
The Avenue are hugely appreciative and 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 money will enable us to continue to deliver training and facilities to our ladies, men’s, academy and junior teams for in the near future.
Martin Knight Director of Football Operations said:
“This helps support the vital work we do in and around the Horsfall. We run 20+ sides from U6 through to our ladies football team. We play a huge role in Bradford area, with over 100,000 people coming into contact with the club’s stadium and community programs. 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.”