Motherwell FC to receive £50,000 after £3,125,000 donation to 42 SPFL clubs by James Anderson

James Anderson, a fund manager and partner with Baillie Gifford, has gifted the charity £3,125,000 inclusive of gift aid.

A Covid-19 crisis fund is to be launched by the SPFL Trust, to which all 42 SPFL clubs will be eligible to apply to, for a fixed grant of £50,000.

Clubs will be able to use the grant, provided they are able to demonstrate support for the wider community in which they are based.

This personal donation has been made without qualification or pre-condition relating to future structure or governance at the SPFL.

The SPFL Trust will also now accelerate plans for a major new project called Scottish Football United.

It had previously hoped to secure traditional grant funding in 2021 for a 2022 launch, but will now immediately begin putting plans in place.

Further details will follow, but in principle, Scottish Football United will bring together clubs, leagues, governing bodies, with national and local public agencies to create a focal point for future crisis planning and support.

A new restricted fund will be set up, The Anderson Fund, which will be used to fund new projects.

All 42 SPFL clubs have been involved in the response to Covid-19, again demonstrating their capacity to support those in need, quickly and effectively.

Across the SPFL, over 150 different community projects have been built, many from a standing start, to respond to the crisis created by the pandemic.

SPFL Trust chief executive Nicky Reid says: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to James for this unprecedented gesture.

“It will enable clubs to access vital funds during these exceptional times, whilst ensuring they can also continue to support the important community work that has been taking place over recent months.

James Anderson comments: “Football is at the heart of communities across Scotland, and there are not many societal organisations that bring people together nowadays, to catch them in a net when they fall.

“When Covid-19 struck, I realised what a significant loss it would be for towns across the country if their local SPFL club’s very survival was threatened.

“I’m also committing my ongoing support to Scottish football by way of confirming I will make further donations.

“I have great faith in the SPFL Trust, and confidence that they – and SPFL clubs along with their charitable trusts - will take this opportunity and make a great success of it.”