FOOTBALL and rugby clubs in Cornwall are being offered financial support during these very difficult times.

The South West Peninsula League and the Cornwall Rugby Football Union have both announced backing for their clubs, who have been hit by the early end to the season caused by the coronavirus, and the subsequent loss of valuable income.

Peninsula League secretary Phil Hiscox said: ’Our clubs, like huge sections of the voluntary and sporting sectors, are suffering financially from being closed.

‘Only some of the larger clubs with clubhouses and employees are likely to receive government help through measures announced, but none are going to be able to make up for the lack of gate money, fund-raising, sponsorship etc.

‘The League happily joins the call that the professional game, the national bodies and the huge TV income at the top of the game should assist clubs, but equally we know that we, too, must also do our best for our own clubs.

‘We are therefore delighted to announce a partnership between the league and its two main sponsors – Kitchen Kit, installers of high quality kitchens from its Truro and Exeter showrooms, and Walter C Parson Funeral Directors, with 11 branches across the region – who have agreed to join the league in assisting all 40 of its clubs.

‘The total package agreed is in the region of £12,000 in direct help to clubs and will come from prize money not now being used (£5,000), the league’s own cash reserves (£5,000), the cancellation of the proposed rise in fees this summer (£1,000), and an extra injection on top of the normal sponsorship of £1,000 from Walter C Parson.

‘This money will be used to ensure none of the 40 clubs have to pay any annual fees for both the league and cup for the 2020/21 season.

‘In addition to asking for further help from above, the league board will also look to make further savings in its operation that can, in turn, be passed onto the clubs.

‘The league also runs a benevolent fund which is a registered charity, and the member clubs pay a £20 fee each year into it.

‘The fee will still be required but, to assist clubs, invoices will not go out until games are back up and running.

‘Clubs are reminded that the fund is there to award grants based on hardship. Unfortunately, we are unable to help every case at this difficult time, but money is available for the most severe incidents that maybe suffered around COVID-19.’

In a message to rugby clubs, Cornwall RFU chairman Dave Saunter wrote: ‘In these testing times, when our actions must be to follow government advice and stay in whenever possible, rugby is probably not top of our priorities.

‘However, when the lockdown is lifted, it will be part of the healing process. Our clubs will need to be ready to get back in action as soon as possible so that all our players, from Taggers through to first teams, can get back on the turf.

‘With this in mind, both the RFU and now CRFU have been working on rescue packages for any of our clubs with financial worries.

‘I would like to announce one of these, with the RFU allowing us to use the final tranch of LRP (Local Rugby Plan) to directly help clubs, a sum of £13,000, and the CRFU are going to add £12,000 to this, making £25,000 in total available to any clubs who need our help.

‘For CRFU grants in the first instance please contact the county secretary Terry Williams at [email protected] and he will set out the criteria clubs will need to meet to qualify for help.

‘The RFU have also have other loans, schemes etc available, and this information can be found at www.englandrugby.com .

‘These are tough times for us all. Above all else, stay safe, follow advice and I look forward to seeing you all when we come out the other side.’