Three funds open up for 2023-24 season
THREE funds for players in need of support are now open for the 2023-24 season.
Suffolk FA have increased the support available via the funds which are all linked to the Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund.
The three available funds are as follows:
Benevolent Fund
The Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund assists injured Youth and Adult players, and referees, in necessitous circumstances. The amount available through the fund has been increased for the 2023-24 season.
For example, a claim awarded to an injured player who is off work for 16 weeks and whose club has donated £50 to the Benevolent Fund will now receive £906 for a successful claim as opposed to £725 during the 2022-23 season.
The Benevolent Fund is not to replace any Personal Accident insurance scheme, with grants only made where it is evident that there has been financial hardship incurred by the participant during a period of incapacity, and the club has contributed to the Benevolent Fund during the current or preceding season.
Clubs must assist a player financially before any claim will be considered, and medical proof must accompany a claim when a player has been off work due to their injury.
To apply, please click on the link below:
Further information and an Application Form can be found by clicking the link below.
Youth Retention Fund
This fund, which was launched in the 2021-22 season, supports families who are facing financial challenges, meaning young players are in danger of not being able to play for an affiliated team.
The Youth Retention Fund supports the cost of young players’ club membership fees and other expenses to prevent children dropping out of football simply because of the cost of playing.
Up to £150 is available per child, to a maximum of £500 per club, and applications can be made on behalf of anyone playing in an under 18 age group or below for the 2023-24 season.
Funding for 2023-24 is being provided from the Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund. For applications to be considered, the club whom an applicant registers will need to have made at least a £10 donation to the Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund for the 2023-24 season.
Applications can be made on behalf of families by club secretaries or agencies such as social services, GPs or schools, but must be supported by a club affiliated to Suffolk FA for the 2023-24 season.
Grant payments will be made directly to the child's club will go towards fees or in some circumstances additional costs such as kit, packed lunches or entry fees for tournaments.
Applicants will be asked to outline what the financial support will be used for, and the reasons behind the application. They will also be asked to evidence what other support will mean the young player continues throughout the season and beyond.
Applications for those who received support during the 2022-23 season are welcomed.
Further information and an Application Form can be found by clicking the link below.
Safe Eyewear Fund
Suffolk FA are again offering the Safe Eyewear Fund, with increased awards available to ensure adult players as well as youth players wear the correct safety eyewear to participate in the game.
The 2023-24 payout ratios for Safe Eyewear Fund applications are:
100% of total purchase price if Benevolent Fund donation in either season has been >£25
80% of total purchase price if Benevolent Fund donation in either season has been £25.
70% of total purchase price if Benevolent Fund donation in either season has been £20 - £24.
60% of total purchase price if Benevolent Fund donation in either season has been £15 - £19.
50% of total purchase price if Benevolent Fund donation in either season has been £10 - £14.
40% of total purchase price if Benevolent Fund donation in either season has been £5 - £9.
30% of total purchase price if Benevolent Fund donation in either season has been £1 - £4.
Clubs may submit multiple applications over the course of a season. Each should be made separately.
The maximum total award value per club over the season is as follows:
This fund has a limit of £5,000 for the season; once all funds have been exhausted the fund will close.
Having the correct, safe eyewear is important for those playing football in Suffolk. Wearing everyday glasses whilst playing risks injury to either the player or other participants.
Within the Laws of the Game, match officials can prevent players wearing glasses from playing if the participants’ glasses are deemed unsafe.
Suffolk FA are continuing this fund for the 2023-24 to ensure players experience no barriers to playing the game in Suffolk.
Further information and an Application Form can be found by clicking the link below.
