Chesterfield set to benefit from £11m government 'winter survival' funding for National League clubs

The government has announced a £300m ‘winter survival package’ to help spectator sports in England.

The £11m cash injection will go to the 66 clubs in the National League, National League North and National League South.

No details of how the cash will be shared out has been released yet.

Nigel Huddleston, Sports Minister, said the majority of the funding will be given through low-interest loans.

The funding process will be overseen by an independent decision-making board and supported by Sport England.

This comes in addition to the £10m National Lottery package already in place.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Sports clubs are the beating hearts of their communities, and this £300 million boost will help them survive this difficult winter period.”

Mr Huddleston added: “Over the past few weeks we have worked tirelessly with sport governing bodies and clubs across the country to fully assess what support is needed, as a result of the decision to postpone the return of fans.

“We know the vast majority of sports - many of which operate on tight financial margins - have been making serious cost reductions, such as locking down grounds, taking up the furlough scheme for many staff and halting excess payments.”

Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of Sport England, said: “These are unprecedented times for our sector, and those sports and leagues that rely so heavily on spectators for their income that have been especially impacted by the pandemic. The role they play in their local communities is vital and this package of support from government will be hugely welcomed.”