Westmorland County FA has been busy working with The FA, following Government guidelines during these unprecedented times. Amidst the disappointment of the end to the grassroots football for this season, we have good news of numerous opportunities to engage with clubs and leagues going forward.

We hope this will 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.

• New Westmorland County FA Club Development Fund

  We wanted to offer clubs the opportunity to develop new teams in the adult male and youth male game. In the past few seasons there has been no funding available for the creation of new clubs/teams in this group. From speaking with our clubs we established that this coming season there was a demand for a number of new open age male teams as well as new U17 and U18 teams. Grants of £500 are available to apply for to go towards the creation of new clubs or teams. This is a one off payment to go towards league entry fees, kit, equipment or reduced player membership costs. We have 5 grants available and the deadline for applications is Friday 29^th May. To receive an application form please e-mail James.Pattison@WestmorlandFA.com

• Westmorland County FA Under 18 League

  After consultation with our clubs it became apparent that there was a desire to carry on into the Under 18 age group for the coming season. After talks with local youth league the Kent Valley Junior Football League, it was agreed that the league would be run by Westmorland County FA. Running an Under 18 league for the first time in a number of years and the first time under just the Westmorland County FA, we are welcoming league applications from all of our clubs and clubs from out of county in nearby locations. The league will be essential to retaining more players in the game and seeing more players transition into open age football. We are also on lookout for sponsorship for the league. If this is something you would be interested in, please get in contact with us.

• Goalpost Funding

  The Football Foundation are currently offering grants of 75% towards the purchase of new goalposts or to replace existing ones. Usually clubs are expected to match fund projects such as these so we are recommending that if you need to purchase new goalposts then this is the time to do so. A 75% grant means that if the goalposts cost £1,200 you will be awarded £900 if successful with the club only having to pay the remaining £300. The process is quick and simple and full guidance and support can be given by our Football Development Officer James. E-mail James.Pattison@WestmorlandFA.com for more information.

• Pitch Preparation Fund

  The Football Foundation have today announced the launch of a limited time grant the Pitch Preparation Fund. If you maintain your own pitch then you might be eligible for a grant of up to £1,500 for one pitch and £2,500 for two pitches. This funding is only available for a couple of weeks so we urge clubs to get in contact with us and apply quickly. We do not expect this fund to become available again in the future. The grant awarded can be spent to get your pitch ready ahead of the next season. This may include areas such as verti-draining, mowing, marking, fertilising etc. Want to see if you are eligible? Get in contact with us as soon as possible.

• Sport England Emergency Fund

  Still open and we encourage clubs to apply. https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds/community-emergency-fund

• Affiliation

  We are in the process of reviewing affiliation for the 2020/21 season and will look forward to publishing discounted rates as soon as possible to help clubs going forwards.

• Cup Finals from the 2019/20 season

      Whilst it remains possible to do so, we still aim to complete the Westmorland County Cup Finals from the 2019/20 season.