Premier League grants of £16 million for non-league, women's clubs

Grants totalling £16million are being made available to non-league and women's clubs for ground improvements as part of increased financial assistance from the Premier League.

The funding, which can be obtained between now and the end of next season, is more than double the existing annual investment provided by the Premier League for stadia development lower down the footballing pyramid.

Clubs competing at steps one to six of the National League system and tiers one to four of women's football are eligible to apply.

The Premier League, which is investing £1.6billion between 2022 and 2025 to aid communities and the wider game, will also provide specific support for clubs in their recovery from the impact of coronavirus to help them become more sustainable.

These grants will allow clubs to develop facilities such as clubhouses and hospitality areas in order to increase revenue streams.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said in a statement: "The strength of our football pyramid is unique in world football and the Premier League has a long-standing commitment to provide funding for clubs at all levels.

"With our increased financial support, we are helping clubs plan for the future and improve their long-term sustainability. This is particularly important as they recover from the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Football clubs are vital to local communities and we hope this funding will help them develop multi-use facilities to support football for the whole community."