National League launch campaign to get DCMS to reverse controversial loan decision

In January, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that its £11 million support package would be available as a loan to the National League’s 66 member clubs.

The majority of clubs publicly criticised the decision and many called for the season to be cancelled should funding grants not be in place as they were for the first three months of the season.

Now the league have set up an online petition on Change.org in an attempt to persuade the Government to issue grants to clubs. If successful it would help protect the future of clubs and allow the fifth and sixth tier seasons to continue.

The petition statement from the National League read: “National League clubs are facing catastrophe and a perilous situation in the next few days. We need a sustainable lifeline that does not leave clubs facing future ruin.

“After changing the terms of its support in the middle of the season, the government must reverse its decision to offer loans and now fulfil its promise of a new grant.

“Our clubs play an immeasurable role in communities all over the UK and provide immense structures of support for many. Current government loan offers have moved the financial goalposts mid-season and jeopardised the future of our clubs.

“Without adequate and fair funding, the National League will not survive, with consequences felt by thousands of players, supporters and club staff across the UK for many years to come.”

Sign the petition by visiting: www.change.org/p/department-for-digital-culture-media-and-sport-save-the-national-league-football-clubs-with-urgent-support-grants-not-loans.

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