Dev

Following on from the announcement of funding support for semi-pro clubs in England today it has been announced that £750,000 of National Lottery funds is going to the 44 clubs in the Welsh Cymru League. “The financial package – established by the FAW and The National Lottery and facilitated by the UK Government – will see clubs in the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and the JD Cymru South receive funding while matches continue to be played behind closed doors, owing to the current COVID-19 restrictions. “ “Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players have been making a massive difference to communities across the UK for the past 26 years, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Football Association of Wales to provide vital funding for these incredibly important clubs in the Cymru Leagues. As a huge football fan myself, I know what this will mean to fans of these community clubs, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that their clubs are getting the support they need.” The partnership follows a similar National Lottery initiative between the FA and National League in England, which was facilitated by the UK government. Work continues on partnerships with the Scottish and Northern Ireland FAs. “ Maybe Mr Railton's words will carry some weight so that Community based clubs will see benefits rather than e.g. those in the SPFL Premier? That could make it very awkward for some at the SFA who are considered to be oriented in favour of the biggest clubs.

Following on from the announcement of funding support for semi-pro clubs in England today it has been announced that £750,000 of National Lottery funds is going to the 44 clubs in the Welsh Cymru League. “The financial package – established by the FAW and The National Lottery and facilitated by the UK Government – will see clubs in the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and the JD Cymru South receive funding while matches continue to be played behind closed doors, owing to the current COVID-19 restrictions. “ “Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players have been making a massive difference to communities across the UK for the past 26 years, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Football Association of Wales to provide vital funding for these incredibly important clubs in the Cymru Leagues. As a huge football fan myself, I know what this will mean to fans of these community clubs, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that their clubs are getting the support they need.” The partnership follows a similar National Lottery initiative between the FA and National League in England, which was facilitated by the UK government. Work continues on partnerships with the Scottish and Northern Ireland FAs. “

Following on from the announcement of funding support for semi-pro clubs in England today it has been announced that £750,000 of National Lottery funds is going to the 44 clubs in the Welsh Cymru League. “The financial package – established by the FAW and The National Lottery and facilitated by the UK Government – will see clubs in the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and the JD Cymru South receive funding while matches continue to be played behind closed doors, owing to the current COVID-19 restrictions. “ “Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players have been making a massive difference to communities across the UK for the past 26 years, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Football Association of Wales to provide vital funding for these incredibly important clubs in the Cymru Leagues. As a huge football fan myself, I know what this will mean to fans of these community clubs, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that their clubs are getting the support they need.” The partnership follows a similar National Lottery initiative between the FA and National League in England, which was facilitated by the UK government. Work continues on partnerships with the Scottish and Northern Ireland FAs. “

Following on from the announcement of funding support for semi-pro clubs in England today it has been announced that £750,000 of National Lottery funds is going to the 44 clubs in the Welsh Cymru League. “The financial package – established by the FAW and The National Lottery and facilitated by the UK Government – will see clubs in the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and the JD Cymru South receive funding while matches continue to be played behind closed doors, owing to the current COVID-19 restrictions. “ “Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players have been making a massive difference to communities across the UK for the past 26 years, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Football Association of Wales to provide vital funding for these incredibly important clubs in the Cymru Leagues. As a huge football fan myself, I know what this will mean to fans of these community clubs, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that their clubs are getting the support they need.” The partnership follows a similar National Lottery initiative between the FA and National League in England, which was facilitated by the UK government. Work continues on partnerships with the Scottish and Northern Ireland FAs. “

Following on from the announcement of funding support for semi-pro clubs in England today it has been announced that £750,000 of National Lottery funds is going to the 44 clubs in the Welsh Cymru League. “The financial package – established by the FAW and The National Lottery and facilitated by the UK Government – will see clubs in the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and the JD Cymru South receive funding while matches continue to be played behind closed doors, owing to the current COVID-19 restrictions. “ “Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players have been making a massive difference to communities across the UK for the past 26 years, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Football Association of Wales to provide vital funding for these incredibly important clubs in the Cymru Leagues. As a huge football fan myself, I know what this will mean to fans of these community clubs, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that their clubs are getting the support they need.” The partnership follows a similar National Lottery initiative between the FA and National League in England, which was facilitated by the UK government. Work continues on partnerships with the Scottish and Northern Ireland FAs. “

Following on from the announcement of funding support for semi-pro clubs in England today it has been announced that £750,000 of National Lottery funds is going to the 44 clubs in the Welsh Cymru League. “The financial package – established by the FAW and The National Lottery and facilitated by the UK Government – will see clubs in the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and the JD Cymru South receive funding while matches continue to be played behind closed doors, owing to the current COVID-19 restrictions. “ “Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players have been making a massive difference to communities across the UK for the past 26 years, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Football Association of Wales to provide vital funding for these incredibly important clubs in the Cymru Leagues. As a huge football fan myself, I know what this will mean to fans of these community clubs, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that their clubs are getting the support they need.” The partnership follows a similar National Lottery initiative between the FA and National League in England, which was facilitated by the UK government. Work continues on partnerships with the Scottish and Northern Ireland FAs. “

Sorry but we'll have to differ on that point. The evidence is there for all to see, every match day in England at levels below the EFL.

Well in England there's £28 million allocated for the National League (Steps 1 and 2) plus £11 million to Steps 3 - 6 inclusive and none to the Premier League or the EFL. I agree the issue will be Grant or Loan. Given what has happened/is still happening how do they expect clubs to repay any Loans? Why would the SG direct funds to the SPFL Premier? It would be understandable if maybe the Championship, Div 1 and 2 clubs benefitted in a way comparable to the National League in England with funds also allocated to the lower clubs (Lowland/Highland and Tiers 6 & 7 which are broadly comparable with Steps 3-6 in England.

If the SG decides to give or loan funds to football clubs it will be interesting to see how funds are targeted, in England the Premier League and the EFL won't be receiving any of the funds available there.

Fans being allowed back at Brora Rangers with 150 limit at present. Clach seem to be going down the same route.

Is there hope yet of financial help from the UK Government via the SP? From the BBC web site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/54998979 Interesting to read that the UK Government has allocated "a rescue package of £300m of emergency funding for sports impacted by the absence of spectators because of coronavirus." A breakdown of funding distribution (preliminary figures): Note: The final amount received by each sport/organisation may differ from the amounts set out when final decisions are made by an independent decision-making board, and supported by Sport England. Football: £28m - National League (steps 1-2): £11m; National League (steps 3-6): £14m; Women's Football (Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship): £3m AND: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55004568 Scottish government seeks clarity on UK emergency sports funding The Scottish government is seeking "urgent clarification" from its UK counterpart about the amount of funding available for sports. The UK government is to provide £300m of loans and grants for sports in England impacted by the absence of fans because of Covid-19. That money will mean an increase in cash for the devolved governments, who decide how to spend it. The Scottish government welcomed the announcement, but want more detail. "This has been an enormously challenging time for the sport sector and we appreciate the sacrifices made by supporters, clubs and authorities over the past months to help us tackle the virus," a spokesperson said. "We welcome the announcement of a UK government support scheme for sports impacted by the loss of spectators during the pandemic, and will seek urgent clarification on the Barnett consequential funding as a result in order to support the sector in Scotland." The funding in England extends to rugby union and rugby league, as well as horse racing, women's football, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing. Men's football above non-league level is not on the list, but it would be for the Scottish government to decide how to allocate the extra cash in Scotland. The government added it "will continue to work with the [sport] sector to ensure their long-term sustainability". They said: "Sport brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don't want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary."

Is there hope yet of financial help from the UK Government via the SP? From the BBC web site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/54998979 Interesting to read that the UK Government has allocated "a rescue package of £300m of emergency funding for sports impacted by the absence of spectators because of coronavirus." A breakdown of funding distribution (preliminary figures): Note: The final amount received by each sport/organisation may differ from the amounts set out when final decisions are made by an independent decision-making board, and supported by Sport England. Football: £28m - National League (steps 1-2): £11m; National League (steps 3-6): £14m; Women's Football (Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship): £3m AND: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55004568 Scottish government seeks clarity on UK emergency sports funding The Scottish government is seeking "urgent clarification" from its UK counterpart about the amount of funding available for sports. The UK government is to provide £300m of loans and grants for sports in England impacted by the absence of fans because of Covid-19. That money will mean an increase in cash for the devolved governments, who decide how to spend it. The Scottish government welcomed the announcement, but want more detail. "This has been an enormously challenging time for the sport sector and we appreciate the sacrifices made by supporters, clubs and authorities over the past months to help us tackle the virus," a spokesperson said. "We welcome the announcement of a UK government support scheme for sports impacted by the loss of spectators during the pandemic, and will seek urgent clarification on the Barnett consequential funding as a result in order to support the sector in Scotland." The funding in England extends to rugby union and rugby league, as well as horse racing, women's football, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing. Men's football above non-league level is not on the list, but it would be for the Scottish government to decide how to allocate the extra cash in Scotland. The government added it "will continue to work with the [sport] sector to ensure their long-term sustainability". They said: "Sport brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don't want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary."

Is there hope yet of financial help from the UK Government via the SP? From the BBC web site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/54998979 Interesting to read that the UK Government has allocated "a rescue package of £300m of emergency funding for sports impacted by the absence of spectators because of coronavirus." A breakdown of funding distribution (preliminary figures): Note: The final amount received by each sport/organisation may differ from the amounts set out when final decisions are made by an independent decision-making board, and supported by Sport England. Football: £28m - National League (steps 1-2): £11m; National League (steps 3-6): £14m; Women's Football (Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship): £3m AND: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55004568 Scottish government seeks clarity on UK emergency sports funding The Scottish government is seeking "urgent clarification" from its UK counterpart about the amount of funding available for sports. The UK government is to provide £300m of loans and grants for sports in England impacted by the absence of fans because of Covid-19. That money will mean an increase in cash for the devolved governments, who decide how to spend it. The Scottish government welcomed the announcement, but want more detail. "This has been an enormously challenging time for the sport sector and we appreciate the sacrifices made by supporters, clubs and authorities over the past months to help us tackle the virus," a spokesperson said. "We welcome the announcement of a UK government support scheme for sports impacted by the loss of spectators during the pandemic, and will seek urgent clarification on the Barnett consequential funding as a result in order to support the sector in Scotland." The funding in England extends to rugby union and rugby league, as well as horse racing, women's football, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing. Men's football above non-league level is not on the list, but it would be for the Scottish government to decide how to allocate the extra cash in Scotland. The government added it "will continue to work with the [sport] sector to ensure their long-term sustainability". They said: "Sport brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don't want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary."

Is there hope yet of financial help from the UK Government via the SP? From the BBC web site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/54998979 Interesting to read that the UK Government has allocated "a rescue package of £300m of emergency funding for sports impacted by the absence of spectators because of coronavirus." A breakdown of funding distribution (preliminary figures): Note: The final amount received by each sport/organisation may differ from the amounts set out when final decisions are made by an independent decision-making board, and supported by Sport England. Football: £28m - National League (steps 1-2): £11m; National League (steps 3-6): £14m; Women's Football (Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship): £3m AND: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55004568 Scottish government seeks clarity on UK emergency sports funding The Scottish government is seeking "urgent clarification" from its UK counterpart about the amount of funding available for sports. The UK government is to provide £300m of loans and grants for sports in England impacted by the absence of fans because of Covid-19. That money will mean an increase in cash for the devolved governments, who decide how to spend it. The Scottish government welcomed the announcement, but want more detail. "This has been an enormously challenging time for the sport sector and we appreciate the sacrifices made by supporters, clubs and authorities over the past months to help us tackle the virus," a spokesperson said. "We welcome the announcement of a UK government support scheme for sports impacted by the loss of spectators during the pandemic, and will seek urgent clarification on the Barnett consequential funding as a result in order to support the sector in Scotland." The funding in England extends to rugby union and rugby league, as well as horse racing, women's football, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing. Men's football above non-league level is not on the list, but it would be for the Scottish government to decide how to allocate the extra cash in Scotland. The government added it "will continue to work with the [sport] sector to ensure their long-term sustainability". They said: "Sport brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don't want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary."

Is there hope yet of financial help from the UK Government via the SP? From the BBC web site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/54998979 Interesting to read that the UK Government has allocated "a rescue package of £300m of emergency funding for sports impacted by the absence of spectators because of coronavirus." A breakdown of funding distribution (preliminary figures): Note: The final amount received by each sport/organisation may differ from the amounts set out when final decisions are made by an independent decision-making board, and supported by Sport England. Football: £28m - National League (steps 1-2): £11m; National League (steps 3-6): £14m; Women's Football (Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship): £3m AND: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55004568 Scottish government seeks clarity on UK emergency sports funding The Scottish government is seeking "urgent clarification" from its UK counterpart about the amount of funding available for sports. The UK government is to provide £300m of loans and grants for sports in England impacted by the absence of fans because of Covid-19. That money will mean an increase in cash for the devolved governments, who decide how to spend it. The Scottish government welcomed the announcement, but want more detail. "This has been an enormously challenging time for the sport sector and we appreciate the sacrifices made by supporters, clubs and authorities over the past months to help us tackle the virus," a spokesperson said. "We welcome the announcement of a UK government support scheme for sports impacted by the loss of spectators during the pandemic, and will seek urgent clarification on the Barnett consequential funding as a result in order to support the sector in Scotland." The funding in England extends to rugby union and rugby league, as well as horse racing, women's football, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing. Men's football above non-league level is not on the list, but it would be for the Scottish government to decide how to allocate the extra cash in Scotland. The government added it "will continue to work with the [sport] sector to ensure their long-term sustainability". They said: "Sport brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don't want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary."

Is there hope yet of financial help from the UK Government via the SP? From the BBC web site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/54998979 Interesting to read that the UK Government has allocated "a rescue package of £300m of emergency funding for sports impacted by the absence of spectators because of coronavirus." A breakdown of funding distribution (preliminary figures): Note: The final amount received by each sport/organisation may differ from the amounts set out when final decisions are made by an independent decision-making board, and supported by Sport England. Football: £28m - National League (steps 1-2): £11m; National League (steps 3-6): £14m; Women's Football (Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship): £3m AND: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55004568 Scottish government seeks clarity on UK emergency sports funding The Scottish government is seeking "urgent clarification" from its UK counterpart about the amount of funding available for sports. The UK government is to provide £300m of loans and grants for sports in England impacted by the absence of fans because of Covid-19. That money will mean an increase in cash for the devolved governments, who decide how to spend it. The Scottish government welcomed the announcement, but want more detail. "This has been an enormously challenging time for the sport sector and we appreciate the sacrifices made by supporters, clubs and authorities over the past months to help us tackle the virus," a spokesperson said. "We welcome the announcement of a UK government support scheme for sports impacted by the loss of spectators during the pandemic, and will seek urgent clarification on the Barnett consequential funding as a result in order to support the sector in Scotland." The funding in England extends to rugby union and rugby league, as well as horse racing, women's football, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and greyhound racing. Men's football above non-league level is not on the list, but it would be for the Scottish government to decide how to allocate the extra cash in Scotland. The government added it "will continue to work with the [sport] sector to ensure their long-term sustainability". They said: "Sport brings enjoyment to the many people who watch and play, and we don't want supporters to be delayed in returning to stadiums for any longer than is absolutely necessary."

Thanks.

Dunbar United preparing for a Licence in time for the Feb 2021 deadline: https://www.facebook.com/186915844773328/posts/2077996125665281/?sfnsn=scwshmo Dunbar United F.C. 46 mins · SFA LICENSING UPDATE Evening Seasiders, Despite the pandemic, the Board remain committed to attaining our SFA license. Today the SFA Licensing Officer attended New Countess Park and undertook their official licensing audit. We were able to discuss our proposed improvement plans to improve our officials changing rooms, medical room and improve our toilet provisions in the ground. We also discussed a huge swathe of governance improvements that have been made in recent months and we received fantastic feedback on these with little work outstanding in this area. I wanted to say a few thank you’s: • To our supporters' club for their incredible work over the summer to have New Countess Park looking at it’s best for today's visit. • To Bobby and Darren at Hallhill for their continued support for our improvements and their ongoing flexibility to always be ready to help the club. • To both Berwick Rangers and Tranent Juniors for their guidance on recent governance improvements. • To Blueprint for their help with drawings to show our planned improvements to the Scottish FA. We will keep you posted in the months ahead, the key next step is news from East Lothian Council on our grant funding application. Subject to this being approved, all systems go! Our licensing application, for February 2021, is very much on track! Many thanks Stuart, Vice Chair DUFC

I think what you say here is right. However, when the examples of other countries are in the UK and all four Governments sit down together frequently over covid it is hard to avoid concluding that Mr Leitch and or the politicians have missed a trick here.

Looks like the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine is well on the way to being effective with the elderly and a one jab procedure. UK has ordered 100 million apparently. Read that the Care Homes will be given the top priority then NHS staff then over 80's. It has also been announced that local Health authorities/boards etc already have their plans in place to start vaccinating people as soon as they receive the vaccines and one says it is waiting to start in early December.

Has Linlithgow Rose Community folded or gone into abeyance for the season? Anyone know for sure? Livingston United went public about applying to the EoS and entering a team in the Under 20's league. I am sure I read somewhere on P&B that possibly one or two other clubs were thinking about applying. When is the dead-line for applications?

Choosing a vaccine which has to be carried via two injections done weeks apart means the vaccine programme will take twice as long compared to a vaccine which requires only one jab. That's a problem given the circumstances. Hopefully the answer, in the form of a one jab vaccine, will be announced soon.

If people travel and then break sensible anti-covid rules it is a problem, OK, but if they're travelling by car and then complying with the rules then the risk is kept as low as practically possible. Some travelling won't comply whatever is said or done and that is a risk, for sure, as they are already doing this and nothing will stop them, so why ban supporters etc of football and other activities? It won't make any difference to covid as it will go on as long as infected people socialise indoors. However, Jason Leitch is hardly likely, it seems, to pay attention to what has actually happened re the amateur/semi-pro matches which have already been played for many months now in England. If he had then he wouldn't be chirping up this stuff. Of course he is going to be objective - but that should include finding out what has already happened elsewhere shouldn't it? .... so how and why is he coming to his conclusions?

But the point is that the SG has got this wrong but won't/cannot adjust their thinking in order to deal with what really happens with covid i.e. is that it mainly (not exclusively) spreads through socialising indoors. All that happens is that MSPs listen and sympathise and then carry on regardless. If clubs die it will be partly down to this.

At the end of the day outdoor activities are not done indoors and that is where the damage has been done. Many thousands of football matches played at semi-pro and amateur level elsewhere have shown this but the SG and Wales Govt have both not woken up to this nor can they be bothered to. Attending matches can be done but no-one is forced to play or be a ref or official or a spectator but that choice has been taken away even though we are at the stage where it is clear that, subject to common sense covid controls, matches at amateur and semi-pro levels have been shown not to be high risk. The SG and WG just don't relate to football at these levels and still think of them as being full time clubs with hordes of uncontrollable fans. Therefore what is the point of closing down whole sections of lower level football and preventing supporters from helping their clubs via attending home matches?