Matchday Support Fund

Funded by the Premier League, the Matchday Support Fund offers a range of grants for eligible National League System (Step 1 to 6), FA Women’s Pyramid (Tier 1 to 5) and Welsh Premier League clubs to prepare for the safe return of football and supporters to their stadia.

FAQs

04

Am I eligible?

01

 

Every applicant must be a club with a minimum of 12 months’ security of tenure over their stadium for the 2020/21 season by freehold, leasehold or licence, and have the responsibility for operating it on matchdays. Alternatively, you must have a groundshare agreement for the entirety of the 2020/21 season. 

Who is eligible?

  • National League System Clubs (Steps 1-6)
  • Welsh Premier League Clubs
  • FA Women's Pyramid Clubs (Tier 1-5)

Who is not eligible?

  • Clubs playing at Step 7/ Regional Feeder Leagues and below 
  • Clubs without a suitable security of tenure
  • County FAs
  • Facility operators

About the fund

02

Matchday Support Fund grants will allow clubs to make the changes necessary to satisfy the latest FA and Government guidance, ensuring their stadia are safer for the return of football and supporters.

Below you'll discover how much you can apply for, what the grant can be spent on and learn more about the relevant FA and Government guidance for your club.

How much can I apply for?

National League System Clubs

 

Level Maximum grant amount*
Step 1 £20,000
Step 2 £15,000
Step 3 £10,000
Step 4 £7,000
Step 5 £4,000
Step 6 £2,000

 

 

Welsh Premier League Clubs

 

Level Maximum grant amount*
Welsh Premier League £20,000

 

 

FA Women's Pyramid Clubs

 

Level Maximum grant amount*
Tier 1 (Super League) £20,000
Tier 2 (Championship) £15,000
Tier 3 (National League Premier) £10,000
Tier 4 (National League D1) £7,000
Tier 5 (Regional Premier Division) £2,000

 

* 50% reduced amount for clubs that are tenants in a groundshare

What can the grant be spent on?

The fund will help eligible clubs cover the costs of implementing their COVID-19 risk assessment and action plan. It should be spent in one or more of the following areas: 

  • keeping facilities and equipment clean
  • maintaining social distancing and avoiding congestion
  • promoting good hygiene

Listed below are more detailed examples of what items may and may not be purchased or installed using Matchday Support Funding.

What can the grant be spent on?

  • additional stewarding
  • building repairs and modifications
  • cleaning and sanitisation
  • contactless payment systems
  • fencing or one-way systems
  • hire of temporary facilities, such as toilets
  • PPE equipment for staff or volunteers
  • professional inspections
  • safety screening
  • signage and floor markings
  • social distancing measures
  • supporter engagement activities
  • ticketing systems
  • track and trace
  • travel to and from away games
  • any other requirement arising from current or updated Government, FA or FAW guidance that is published

What should the grant not be spent on?

  • commission or consultancy fees
  • decorating
  • general stadium works (not related to COVID-19)
  • partnership funding for other FSIF application
  • pitch maintenance works
  • players wages
  • purchase of goalposts or nets
  • purchase of fuel
  • purchase of kit or equipment
  • purchase of grounds maintenance machinery
  • staff wages

Guidance

Welsh FA Return to Play Guidance

For Welsh Premier League Clubs

Read more

FA Women's Football Pyramid Guidance

For FA Women's Pyramid Clubs Tier 3-5

Read more

DCMS Elite sport - return to competition

For National League System Clubs Step 1 & 2 and FA Women's Super League and Championship Clubs. 

Read more

National League System Club Guidance

For National League System Clubs Step 3-6

Read more
What is the Football Stadia Improvement Fund

The Football Stadia Improvement Fund

The FSIF is the country's largest provider of grants towards projects that help improve the comfort and safety of lower league football grounds in both the professional and amateur game.

Solely funded by the Premier League, the fund began in 2000 and provides grants to improve facilities for clubs from the EFL, FA National League System, FA Women's Pyramid and Welsh Premier League. 

Click the learn more button to find out more about the work of the FSIF and what funding opportunities are available. 

Learn more

How do I apply?

03

To apply, click the 'apply now' button below where you'll be redirected to the Football Foundation application portal. 

The Matchday Support Fund opens on Wednesday 2 September 2020 and will close at 5pm on Wednesday 16 September 2020.