Premier League launches fund to help lower-league clubs support return of fans
The Premier League has launched the Return of Supporters Fund which will enable eligible clubs in EFL League One and Two, the National League (Step 1) and the Women’s Super League to apply for funding for fan-engagement projects ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The new initiative will award grants of up to £6,000 through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) to support activities and events designed to strengthen the relationship between clubs and their fans. The application window closes on Sunday 11 July 2021.
Robert Sullivan, CEO at the Football Foundation, said:
“The Return of Supporters Fund is another commitment from the Premier League to clubs throughout the football pyramid. These grants will enable clubs across the country to develop new ways of interacting with fans – both those returning to stadiums and others supporting from home – building upon the huge excitement for the new season."
The Return of Supporters Fund is the latest financial support the Premier League has provided for wider football through the FSIF during the pandemic. The Matchday Support Fund enabled more than 1,000 clubs from across the National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid and Welsh Premier League to access funding to put enhanced safety measures in place at grounds for fans.
In total, over 2,500 Covid-19 relief grants worth £6.9m have been awarded to clubs through the FSIF since March 2020.
Last year, the Football Foundation – the charity of the Premier League, The FA and the Government – launched the Pitch and Club Preparation Funds to help clubs prepare their playing surfaces and other facilities for the resumption of football. This saw £8.7 million provided to clubs in the grassroots, non-league and women’s game.
For more information, please contact:
The Football Foundation Communications Team at communications@footballfoundation.org.uk
About the Return of Supporters Fund
The application window for the Return of Supporters Fund is open from 14 June 2021 and closes on 11 July 2021 to eligible Pro Club Community Organisations in EFL League One and Two, National League (Step 1) and Women Super League. For more information visit: https://footballfoundation.org.uk/grant/return-of-supporters-fund
About the Football Stadia Improvement Fund
The FSIF is solely funded by the Premier League and 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. These improvements range from new football stands and turnstiles to floodlighting and improved provision for disabled supporters.
The Return of Supporters Fund grants are managed by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) through the Premier League Fans Fund. The Fans Fund is a commitment from the Premier League to fund projects and organisations that improve the relationship between fans and their clubs and enhance the way supporters engage with each other, which is financed by the Premier League and supports non-league and Women’s Football Pyramid clubs with the cost of improvements to their grounds.