Borders MP welcomes promise of £1.35m funding for lower-level football leagues

That funding, being delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, is earmarked for clubs competing outside the sport’s top four tiers to help them survive the winter despite having been deprived of gate receipts for nine months and counting.

The Scottish Lowland Football League, home to Gala Fairydean Rovers and Vale of Leithen, and the East of Scotland Football League, featuring Hawick Royal Albert United and Peebles Rovers, are among those set to benefit.

The Galashiels and Innerleithen sides will be particularly glad of any cash boost that comes their way as both had been drawing up plans to welcome fans back after the Borders’ Covid-19 restrictions were lowered to level one earlier this month only to have their hopes dashed after all of mainland Scotland was moved into level four at the weekend.

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP Mr Lamont said: “Sport has suffered immensely from the pandemic.

“This is especially the case for lower-level football clubs that rely on getting fans in to watch their games.

“Football is such a huge part of life in the UK, and it is important that the grass-roots are supported.

“Communities right across the Borders have a local team and it is great to see the National Lottery stepping in to support the leagues.

“Lottery funding supports lots of great causes across the Borders, from local sports teams to refurbishing village halls, and it really helps communities to realise their potential.”

Association chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “Fans are the lifeblood of our national game and local clubs the lifeblood of communities.

“The importance of protecting that bond has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on everyday life across the country.

“The power of football is integral to our society and it will play an integral role in our emergence from the restrictions.

“That is why this announcement is so significant in reinforcing football’s status as our national game.

“The support package and partnership announced today will be welcomed by the clubs and, on behalf of the game, I would like to thank National Lottery players.”

UK Government Scottish secretary Alister Jack, MP for Dumfries and Galloway, added: “Football is hugely important to many people in Scotland, bringing together local communities.

“The National Lottery has been helping communities across the UK for many years and Scottish football, like all sport, has suffered immensely due to the pandemic.”

“The partnership with the National Lottery is excellent news and will play a vital role in helping our clubs until fans can safely return to football grounds.”

The funding for Scotland’s lower leagues is coming from a National Lottery promotional fund, not from money already allocated for good causes.