Toolstation NCEL clubs can apply for up to £4,000 in grants from the Matchday Support Fund, launched by the Premier League to help teams prepare for the restart of football and safe return of supporters to their stadia.

In total, 65 leagues and more than 1,100 clubs across the country will be able to benefit from this financial support.

The application window is now open to eligible National League System clubs in Steps 1-6, the Welsh Premier League and FA Women’s Pyramid clubs in Tiers 1-5.

Step 5 NLS clubs - including NCEL Premier Division sides - will be able to get up to £4,000 whilst Division One clubs, like all teams at Step 6, will be able to receive up to £2,000.

It will help clubs to put measures in place that will make grounds safer for the 2020/21 season in accordance with their COVID-19 Risk Assessments.

This announcement follows the recent publication of Government and FA guidelines for the return of football and spectators.

A range of grants are available through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund to help clubs make physical changes to infrastructure in line with FA guidance to cater for reduced capacity and social distancing measures.

The funding can also be used for specialist consultancy support around risk assessments, implementing IT and ticketing, contactless payments, hand sanitisation points and supporter engagement.

The application window runs from Wednesday 2nd September, 2020, to 5pm on Wednesday 16th September, 2020.

It’s a simple process, so clubs should apply to the FSIF directly and not through third parties.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, go to Matchday Support Fund by clicking here.