Dear Minister,

Thank you for your assistance and swift correspondence with me in June which helped to ensure that the National League South Playoffs were able to go ahead last month. As honorary Vice President of Havant and Waterlooville Football Club (HWFC) based in my constituency and as a season ticket holder, I was grateful for your support, and I was pleased to see HWFC take part in the Playoffs.

I also welcome the Government’s announcement that spectators can return to non-elite sport which covers the flourishing grassroots football scene in my constituency from Steps 3 and below in the non-league pyramid, and benefits a number of local clubs.

However, as the new football season approaches, non-league clubs at Steps 1 and 2 such as HWFC are also keen to welcome spectators back to their grounds. 

While I am pleased your Department agreed with my argument in June that clubs such as HWFC fall under the technical definition of “elite”, many of them, in fact, have smaller fan bases than those in lower divisions including at Steps 3 and below. Meanwhile, their business models differ substantially from Football League Clubs that receive substantial TV payments and income from the Premier League. 

I fully accept that your Department has to take all the right precautions when it comes to the return of spectators to sporting events and there has to be a series of successful pilot events. In addition, as with all changes to the Government regulations and guidance in relation to COVID-19, I recognise that they must be guided by the latest independent scientific and medical advice. 

Clubs such as HWFC are essentially wholly reliant on matchday income for their survival, and are keen to welcome spectators back into their grounds like Westleigh Park as soon as possible. HWFC operates at the heart of our community and has a loyal and growing fanbase who are keen to support their club.

Therefore, I would be grateful if you could provide HWFC and other clubs at Step 1 and 2 with guidance as to when spectators will be allowed to attend games, and ensure that re-opening football grounds such as Westleigh Park to spectators is a key and urgent priority for you and your Department. 

Yours sincerely,

Alan Mak MP
Member of Parliament for the Havant Constituency