The Northampton Town Community Trust has been awarded a Return of Supporters Fund grant of £5,500 that has helped to help welcome back both match-going and non-match-going fans as the 2021/22 season gets under way.
This grant is part of wider investment from the Premier League which comes in the form of the Return of Supporters Fund. This funding has enabled eligible clubs in EFL League One and Two, the National League (Step 1) and the Women’s Super League to apply for funding for fan-engagement projects ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The initiative awarded up to £6,000 through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) to support activities and events designed to strengthen the relationship between clubs and their fans.
This grant will enable Northampton Town FC Community Trust, to provide staff on matchdays to deliver activities supporting both new and existing fans and supporters. It will also enable delivery of activities on non-matchdays to support the wider community and fan base to return and use the stadium.
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Return of Supporters Fund is another commitment from the Premier League to clubs throughout the football pyramid.
"Along with clubs across the country, this grant awarded to Northampton Town FC Community Trust will help to develop new ways of interacting with fans – both those returning to stadiums and others supporting from home – building upon the huge excitement for the new season."
The Return of Supporters Fund is the latest financial support the Premier League has provided for wider football through the FSIF during the pandemic. The Matchday Support Fund enabled more than 1,000 clubs from across the National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid and Welsh Premier League to access funding to put enhanced safety measures in place at grounds for fans.
In total, over 2,500 Covid-19 relief grants worth £6.9m have been awarded to clubs through the FSIF since March 2020.
Last year, the Football Foundation – the charity of the Premier League, The FA and the Government – launched the Pitch and Club Preparation Funds to help clubs prepare their playing surfaces and other facilities for the resumption of football. This saw £8.7 million provided to clubs in the grassroots, non-league and women’s game.