The outbreak of the virus and the consequent shutdown of businesses, as of March 23rd, has left the sport and physical activity sector facing a period of uncertainty.

In response, on March 31st, Sport England announced a £195m package to help the sport and physical activity sector through COVID-19. Within the package is a £20m Community Emergency Fund, of National Lottery money to deliver immediate funding to those who have a role in supporting the nation to be active but are experiencing short-term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the impact of the pandemic.

The grant will allow us to complete end-of-season pitch repairs in preparation for the coming season.

“This grant allows us to get the pitch into the best possible condition, ready for when Non-League football can safely return.”

Chairman, Kevin Newell said: “We are delighted to have received this grant from Sport England. With our season coming to such an abrupt end, the loss of revenue from our remaining home fixtures would have provided us with vital funds to prepare the ground over the close season. Therefore, this grant allows us to get the pitch into the best possible condition, ready for when Non-League football can safely return.”

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s Chief Executive, added: “As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation, we want the vital grassroots organisations that make sport and physical activity happen in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future. The £20m Community Emergency Fund, made possible by National Lottery players is part of a multi-million pound package of support we are providing to ease the pressure on a huge number of the organisations who are central to the nation’s health and well-being.

“We are proud to be able to provide vital funding to Burgess Hill Town Football Club to help it through these extremely challenging times.”