For many of us, our local sport teams are more than just a weekly social and spectator activity.

They are an essential part of the community of many of our rural towns and villages, while also promoting good physical and mental well-being.

I am acutely aware that the past year has been very trying for many of our local clubs, some of which have hardly played since last March, facing significant financial pressures and an uncertain future.

It is therefore welcome that Steps 3-6 of the National League system will receive up to £10-million to protect the immediate future of approximately 850 football clubs over the winter period.

The funding will be provided in the form of grants. Clubs in Steps 3-6 will be contacted directly by the Football Foundation with full details and are now able to make an application. Funds will be distributed quickly to clubs through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, so that they have some certainty regarding their future, I hope saving many in the process.

It is the first award to be announced from the Government’s £300-million Sports Winter Survival Package that is focused on helping those major spectator sports severely affected by coronavirus restrictions survive the winter.

In October the Government announced it had brokered a unique deal with the National Lottery to provide a £10-million cash injection to keep Step 1 and 2 clubs afloat, and recently announced a provisional £11-million in very low interest long term loans to support clubs in those tiers.

This financial support will I hope be of significant assistance to some of our local clubs, helping them to navigate these difficult times until the day comes once more when grounds up and down the country are filled with supporters, a moment devoutly to be wished.