Bright future for Eastleigh FC after Premier League funding

See how a Premier League investment enabled a non-league club to improve its facilities

The most recent Non-League Day was held last weekend, honouring amateur football and enticing supporters of Premier League teams to attend a nearby non-league game during the international break.

Several of the best players who have learned and experienced a lot in the non-league game are being highlighted as part of the Premier League’s support for the campaign.

Helping the pyramid of football

In honour of Non-League Day last weekend, former Premier League striker Glenn Murray travelled to Hampshire to watch a game at Eastleigh FC in order to observe how Premier League funding benefits teams at all levels of the football pyramid.

 

The fifth division of English football’s National League match between Eastleigh and Hartlepool United drew 2,500 spectators to Silverlake Stadium. Murray began his career in non-league before playing in the top flight with Brighton & Hove Albion, AFC Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace.

Despite the previous difficult weather, the pitch remained in perfect shape, in large part because the club used a £215,000 subsidy from the Premier League Stadium Fund.

According to Dan Barnes, the club’s longtime chief groundskeeper, “the old pitch didn’t drain at all well.” “We were able to rebuild the pitch and install a new irrigation system underneath the entire surface thanks to the Premier League’s funding.”

 

“Having a top-notch surface is highly advantageous to all club members. The players and management are unconcerned with surface irregularities.”

It’s a portion of the substantial funding Eastleigh FC has received from the Premier League to upgrade its facility.

They received £375,000 in money from the Premier League, which also helped to upgrade the stands, dressing rooms, and floodlights.

And for Saturday’s Non-League Day game, which included two former Premier League players in the dugouts, such facilities were proudly on display.

 

Eastleigh FC has appointed Kelvin Davis, a 53-time premier league player for Southampton and Sunderland, as manager, while Kevin Phillips, the 1999–2000 Premier League Golden Boot winner, is in charge of Hartlepool United.

A total of 92 Premier League goals for five clubs were scored by Phillips. “This pitch is magnificent, it is one of the best I’ve seen,” he stated. “You do have a range of situations in the non-league, which is part of its attractiveness and difficulty. Each week presents an amazing challenge.”

Phillips began his career in non-league football as a player for Hertfordshire’s Baldock Town.

“I love being involved in football – whether that’s at the top of the pyramid in the Premier League, playing for England or as a non-league manager,” he stated. “You’ll always find people who are passionate about the game and enjoy everything it has to offer.”

 

The Premier League Stadium Fund, which aided Eastleigh FC, provides capital grants to lower-division teams so they can upgrade their stadium amenities for officials, players, and fans.

More than 1,000 teams participating in more than 100 leagues have received funds from the foundation. The entire amount invested since 2000 has been close to £200.

Non-League Day founder James Doe stated,

“Non-league clubs are the bedrock of our national game and without them the game would suffer at all levels.” “I hope Non-League Day opens people’s eyes to what a wonderful level of football this is – and shines a light on the staff and volunteers who power the football clubs.”

 

“There is a lot to like about football at this level,” said Jeff Stelling, a football pundit and Hartlepool supporter who now serves as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, the official charity partner of Non-League Day.

“There are some good clubs, very good players and the fans are just as committed as they are if you’re a Manchester City or Liverpool fan.”

PL’s backing for broader football

The Premier League provides clubs at all levels of the English football pyramid with substantial financial support, which includes the investment made at Eastleigh FC.

Since 2000, £192.7 million of Premier League revenue has been allocated through the Premier League Stadium Fund to clubs in the EFL, National League System, and Women’s Football Pyramid for the purpose of enhancing their stadiums and facilities. Over 5,630 awards in 114 competitions have been given to 1,083 clubs.

The League will contribute £1.6 billion to the wider game between 2022 and 2025, making it the football league with the largest voluntary contribution to communities and other worthy causes worldwide. Of this, £400 million will be used to fund initiatives such as facility expansion and community and educational initiatives.

During those three years, the Premier League will also give National League clubs around £16 million in community, academy, and solidarity cash.