Clubs will be able to access funding for everything from creating a safer environment and getting grass pitches match-fit to goal posts or portable floodlights to welcome players back no matter the time of day.

One of the three funds is being specifically targeted at those whose participation was most badly affected by the health crisis. Prior to the second national lockdown, disability team affiliations were down by 29 per cent when compared against the same time last season; there were also steep declines in participation among walking footballers and players in the country’s most deprived areas. 

The Return to Football Fund delivered by the Football Foundation in partnership with the FA, and made possible with Sport England funding from the National Lottery, will target £2.1m at supporting people in low participation groups to start playing again. It will also fund initiatives aimed at bringing new players into the game and cover the cost of adapting to COVID-19 rules.

The £14m Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund will provide six-year tapered grants to improve the quality of grass pitches. Thousands of football matches are cancelled every year because of problems with grass pitches and these grants form a key part of the Foundation’s overall Grass Pitch Programme which hopes to improve at least 5,000 pitches by June 2024. 

The Small Grants Fund will help clubs pay for essential equipment and machinery they need to start playing again. Clubs can apply for up to £25,000 to refurbish their changing rooms, pay for grass pitch drainage, new goalposts, pitch maintenance equipment and portable floodlights. 

“We are so looking forward to the safe return of grassroots football from 29th March and will do all we can to support clubs up and down the country get back to normal after what has been an unprecedented year of challenges. Grassroots football has a hugely positive impact by bringing communities together and improving the health of the nation. These new funds will provide crucial financial support to clubs and leagues, helping them to get the game we love up and running again," said Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA.