A £10 million emergency support package from The National Lottery gives lifeline to National League clubs while fans are unable to attend.
Hereford FC have thanked National Lottery players for their support during these challenging times. A statement on the official website says how grateful to club is to benefit from a share of the £10M 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 at this time.
“We pride ourselves at being at the heart of the community here at Edgar Street with fans from all walks of life and all age groups actively involved in supporting The Bulls. Our community projects have seen hundreds of school children and many local youth groups enjoy visits to Edgar Street and/or receive coaching from our Community Department. Our nationally respected Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) continues to be fantastic ambassadors for disabled supporters, and our partnership with the Royal National College for the Blind helps to make football accessible for all.
“The grant from The National Lottery will help towards the continuation of the club at this difficult time.”
Hereford FC Chairman, Andrew Graham, said:
“This grant helps support the vital work we do throughout Herefordshire and helps give supporters something positive to focus on during these difficult times. 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 help 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. (Terms and conditions will be published as soon as we are aware of them, please do not contact us directly regarding this matter at this time.)
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.”
