NATIONAL League clubs will receive an emergency grant ahead of the new season on Saturday.

An exact figure is not yet confirmed, although BBC Sport have reported the National League is hopeful of securing a grant worth £2-3m per month.

Teams can now begin the league campaign against the backdrop of behind closed doors fixtures, owing to Covid-19.

Weymouth will travel to fellow promoted side Altrincham in their first National League match for 11 years.

National League South and North sides had threatened to pull out of the FA Cup second qualifying round this weekend to avoid triggering expensive player contracts.

Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddlestone announced the grant this afternoon.

He said: "Yesterday we provided the National League with assurance that financial support from the Government will be forthcoming so they can start the season this Saturday.

"We have asked for detailed financial returns from all major spectator sports to see what support they need.

"We expect those returns by the end of today and any club in immediate financial distress should alert their sport's governing body."

He added: "The Government support needs to go to those in most need. It will absolutely be focused on gate receipts.

"The purpose of the financial support is to help those most impacted by the first of October decision.

"I can't give the details today because we are working on those details as I speak.

"We have had constructive conversations with the Premier League and the EFL. 

"They do recognise their responsibility. They are at the top of the pyramid and it's perfectly clear and reasonable that those with the broadest shoulders carry the biggest burden.

"They understand that, accept that, and we're working on those details.

"We pressed pause on the rollout of elite sport. We want to get back to the plan as soon as possible."

All 67 National League clubs are suffering financial strain without vital matchday revenue, with some in danger of following Macclesfield Town into the abyss. 

National League clubs have been classed as elite sport, meaning fans are forbidden from attending games.

However, Step 3 teams have admitted spectators since late August to generate crucial income at non-League level.

Numerous teams in the National League System (NLS) have loudly voiced their concerns over beginning fixtures without fans and the Government's move has now quelled those fears.