Southport FC will start their season against Morpeth in the FA Cup today, after a financial grant for the National League was confirmed by the government.
The grant, an initial £10m over three months covering all sixty-seven National League clubs, was announced on Friday afternoon.
The package will be distributed to clubs by the FA and will be proportionate to the size of the club’s average gate.
A majority of clubs in the National League North had said they would not be able to begin the campaign without either crowds or financial support and had threatened to cancel the start of the season.
WATCH LIVE: Southport’s season opener can be streamed to your living room for just £7.99 – Click here for details
At least 7 of Southport’s players require payment through the full season once the first ball is kicked.
A statement from the competition said: “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 3 October as planned with clubs playing ‘behind closed doors’ in compliance with the elite sport protocols.”
Today’s FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match against Morpeth, the club’s first competitive fixture in 208 days, will be streamed live on the club website, along with a live Q&A from the directors from 1pm.