Cymru Leagues provided with £750k support package from National Lottery

The JD Cymru Leagues have been provided with a £750k support package from the National Lottery.

Yesterday, English sports teams received £300m in emergency funding from the UK Government, meanwhile Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were left with no funding, instead, the devolved nations have been tasked with distributing any potential survival funds.

However the National Lottery, who have provided funding for non-league and women’s football in England, have since invested into the other British nations.

The funds will help clubs who have been forced to play behind closed doors this season.

Top-flight clubs in Wales have played without supporters, meanwhile the Cymru North and South has yet to start, though the FAW have lobbed to Sport Wales to allow their second and third tiers to be granted elite status. 

Jonathan Ford, CEO of the Football Association of Wales said: “At the FAW, we are incredibly grateful for our unique partnership with The National Lottery and the funding stream which has been provided for our clubs across the Cymru Leagues, while matches continue to be played behind closed doors.” 

Adding to Ford’s comments was Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “Clubs in the Cymru Leagues play a huge role in their local communities and, like many others, they have been struggling in the current climate.

“I’m delighted that UK Government could help bring the National Lottery and the football authorities together to deliver for these clubs and for grassroots football in Wales.

“From Prestatyn to Taffs Well, this funding package will help enable clubs to keep going until fans can safely return.”

Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players have been making a massive difference to communities across the UK for the past 26 years, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Football Association of Wales to provide vital funding for these incredibly important clubs in the Cymru Leagues.

“As a huge football fan myself, I know what this will mean to fans of these community clubs, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that their clubs are getting the support they need.”

(Featured Image: Mike James)