Wealdstone chairman Rory Fitzgerald has thanked the National Lottery for their contribution to non-league football during the coronavirus pandemic, with supporters not permitted to enter grounds.

Stones will benefit from a share of £10million worth of funding that has been announced for 66 National League clubs as part of a partnership between the league and the National Lottery in a bid to allow this season to continue.

The partnership will benefit all clubs in the fifth and six tiers of English football, so that they can continue to play behind closed doors after the return of fans was paused due to rising infection rates.

Fitzgerald said that the funding would go well beyond the first-team and would allow the club to continue providing community activities.

“This funding helps us to continue to deliver the benefits we provide to the Ruislip area ranging from our junior teams to school visits and providing walking football for stroke victims,” he said in a statement on the club website.

“Our community activities have grown over recent years and we believe in times such as these the role local football clubs can play is bigger than ever. Protecting this, and the work of the other National League clubs, is essential for communities across the country. I can’t thank National Lottery players enough for this lifeline.”

Nigel Railton, CEO of National Lottery operator Camelot, said: “The National Lottery and its players have been making a huge difference to communities across the country for the past 26 years, so we’re delighted to be working with the National League to protect these all-important clubs and help them continue the vital work they carry out locally. They do a fantastic job and I can’t wait to cheer on my local National League side when fans are allowed to return.”