Cymru Premier clubs set to benefit from Club Preparation Fund – reports
Dan Jefferies of Penybont scores his sides first goal against Cardiff Met. Penybont v Cardiff Met at Bryntirion Park in the JD Cymru Premier on the 6th March 2020. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Cymru Premier clubs are set to receive funding which will help assist in staging matches.
The Telegraph says that 3,383 grants worth a total of £1.6m is helping clubs to return to play from the coronavirus pandemic.
In their report, they claim that the Club Preparation Fund will go towards installing hygiene facilities – such as hand sanitiser dispensers, soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers and waste bins.
There will also be modifications such as including safety screening, contactless payment systems and signage, other maintenance work and inspections of water quality, gas and ventilation.
The UK Government’s Sport Minister, Nigel Huddleston said: “Football is at the heart of communities across the country and we’re determined to help local clubs bounce back stronger than ever.
“I’m delighted to see grass-roots football return and I know this investment will do so much to help teams stay safe as they get back on the pitch.”
It is the second set of funding to be awarded to clubs after the £7million of investment through the Pitch Preparation Fund, funding in which helped maintain playing surfaces.
Wales has yet to set a date for a return to Welsh domestic football since its suspension in March.
Bala Town, Barry Town United, Connah’s Quay Nomads and The New Saints are the only teams which have guaranteed fixtures following their confirmed involvement in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Clubs in Wales have had a phased return to training with no contact permitted.
Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland is set to be the first country on the Isles to welcome back supporters.
Ballymena United and Glentoran have been allocated 250 tickets each for the Irish Cup Final on Friday, 31st July.
The Scottish Premiership season begins on Saturday, 1st August.
SPFL’s Championship, League One and League Two divisions have been pencilled in for a playing return on 17 October.
The season is set to be shortened to 27-game terms.
In England, the 2020/21 Premier League will start on Saturday, September 12.
The English Football League have adopted the same start date for its three divisions.
In the Vanarama National League – Wrexham’s division for the last 12 years – their start has been earmarked for Saturday, October 3.
