WESTMORLAND County Football Association has been working with the FA to provide numerous opportunities to engage with clubs as they prepare for the future.

The association has used its time to invest in clubs and prepare for when the season can resume.

Chief executive Jo Ashworth said: “We hope we can help everyone to be in a position to start the 2020/21 season whenever we will be permitted, and it is safe to do so.

“In the meantime, it’s a great opportunity to seek help and support and to bring investment into the County.”

Since lock down began, football development officer James Pattison has helped five clubs in accessing more than £1,000 each for new goalposts and twelve applications for funding to prepare pitches for the new season.

Members of staff who are currently working at home have been exceptionally busy supporting local clubs throughout the lockdown.

Jo continued: “During this difficult time we have been able to offer clubs close support to access a number of grants.

“We have seen more applications and ultimately more investment go into our local clubs than we have had in the past two years.

“This support is important to keep teams going and make essential developments on and off the pitch.”

Clubs have been able to access the Sport England Emergency Fund of up to £10,000. Applications can still be accepted from until midnight Thursday when there will be a pause to assess applications.

Almost £10 million has been granted nationally and more clubs are supporting the cause.

The New Westmorland County FA Club Development Fund is also on offer to develop new teams in the adult male and youth male game.

This fund, directly from the County FA, offers grants of £500 to go towards new clubs or teams.

The Football Foundation has launched a limited time pitch preparation grant for clubs that maintain their own pitches. Ranging from £1,500 for one pitch and £2,500 for two.

Goalposts funding will come in the form of a grant of 75%.

Therefore, if a club’s goalposts cost £1200, they will be awarded £900 if successful with the club will only have to pay the remaining £300.

Applications can be completed as quickly as 48 hours.

The Westmorland County FA will also launch a new Under 18 League. It will be welcoming league applications from all clubs, both in and out of the county.

The FA also stated: “Whilst it remains possible to do so, we still aim to complete the Westmorland County Cup Finals from the 2019/20 season.

“We might not have any matches being played, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on the grants.”

The FA is also in the process of reviewing its affiliations for the 2020/21 season and will be publishing discounted rates soon.

For information contact info@westmorlandfa.com.