Non-league grants are a 'drop in the ocean' to clubs

A scheme has opened which enables clubs at steps three to six of the non-league set-up to apply for government grants.

Maximum amounts payable range from £27,000 for step three (Isthmian premier) clubs to £5,000 at step six (SCFL division one).

In all £10m is set aside for step three to six clubs, with another £4m available in loans which most don’t see as viable. Hastings CEO Billy Wood said the amount available was a drop in the ocean for non-league teams, who currently had no cashflow.

“For us it helps with bills, but we have to spend it in three-months. It’s a stopgap. A gap-filler…it doesn’t change anything,” Wood said.

“We’re lucky we have fans that really support the club. They buy tickets, merchandise, shirts. Not everyone has this.

“This level of football can’t happen without fans.

“Without people at the games you’re not making money. We’ve just got to hope they are back watching as soon as possible.”

The grants picture at Hastings’ level is at least clearer than it is for neighbours Eastbourne Borough in the National League.

At that level, the government wants to replace grants with loans but clubs say that’s not viable and are now voting on whether to stop playing, deeming the half-season already played as a waste of time and money.