Further to a meeting of its Board of Directors earlier today, the following update is issued on behalf of The National League.

In recent weeks, The National League and The Football Association have been engaged with Government to address the revenue shortfall expected by member clubs caused by the pause to the safe return of spectators.

The National League has now received confirmation of significant financial grant-aid support from the Government to compensate clubs for essential revenue lost from fans not returning in October, and has communicated with its member clubs to provide reassurance ahead of the season start.

The 2020/21 National League season will now commence on 3rd October as planned with clubs playing ‘behind closed doors’ in compliance with the elite sport protocols.

Notes:

The National League start date for the 2020/21 season is 3rd October, which is when Vanarama National League clubs are due to play their first league match and Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South clubs are involved in the Second Qualifying of The FA Cup.

The National League is the FA affiliated governing body for football clubs who play in the fifth and sixth tiers of the English league pyramid system. It comprises 67 professional and semi- professional football clubs organised into 3 divisions: the Vanarama National League, Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South.