Old Rutlishians AFC in Merton given £2k boost after coronavirus financial losses

A football club received a £2,000 boost after suffering financial losses during the pandemic.

Merton Football Club, Old Rutlishians AFC were awarded a £1,500 Pitch Preparation Fund and a £500 Club Preparation Fund from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation.

The Pitch Preparation Fund will help Old Ruts, who play in the Surrey South Eastern Combination League, with costs of materials and works to help prepare a match-fit pitch.

The Club Preparation Fund will also help the club prepare their buildings to safely reopen for FA’s plans for a ‘phased return’ in line with government’s guidance around hygiene and social distancing,

Gavin Lennard, a Trustee of the Old Rutlishians, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from the Football Foundation, their support of grassroots clubs provides a massive boost for community clubs.”

Robert Sullivan, Interim Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added: “This is a vital grant to help the Old Rutlishians get their pitch match-fit.

“The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation exists to help provide quality infrastructure at the lower-levels of the game.

“Pitch Preparation Fund grants like this one are giving a helping hand to clubs across the country to get their playing surfaces ready for when the game is allowed to begin again following government advice.”

The Football Foundation is a charity funded by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England.

Pictured top: Craig Wellstead, chairman of the football club, Faye Carruthers of Talksport, and Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond