THE Premier League have just announced the introduction of a Matchday Support Fund, which would allow clubs like Bradford (Park Avenue) and Guiseley to apply for up to a £15,000 grant.

The fund offers a range of grants for eligible National League System (Step 1 to 6), FA Women’s Pyramid (tier 1 to 5) and Welsh Premier League clubs to prepare for the safe return of football and supporters to their stadia.

Clubs at Step 2 (Avenue, Guiseley etc) can apply for up to £15,000, those at Step 4 (Brighouse etc) are eligible for up to £7,000, at Step 5 (Thackley, Eccleshill etc) it is £4,000, while at Step 6 (Campion etc) it is £2,000.

Several of our local women's teams like Bradford City would also be able to apply.

The fund will help eligible clubs cover the costs of implementing their Covid-19 risk assessment and action plan. It should be spent in one or more of the following areas:

- keeping facilities and equipment clean

- maintaining social distancing and avoiding congestion

- promoting good hygiene

You could spend the grant on things like additional stewarding, PPE equipment for staff or volunteers or the hire of temporary facilities, such as toilets.

It cannot be used for things like player wages, the purchase of kit or equipment or pitch maintenance works.

The deadline to apply for the funding is September 16.