Wolverhampton MP raises difficulties faced by non-league football clubs in Commons

Warinder Juss, MP for Wolverhampton West, highlighted the work that AFC Wulfrunians does in the Commons in a question to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

He told the Commons that AFC Wulfrunians also ran an excellent boxing gym which served the wider community.

"Given the financial challenges faced by lower-league football clubs such as AFC Wulfrunians, can the Secretary of State confirm what steps the Government are taking to ensure that clubs have access to sustainable funding models to secure their long-term financial stability?"

He said this was necessary so that they could continue to foster community relationships, increase local engagement and develop young talent within the area.

Miss Nandy replied that Sport England had invested more than £57,000 in Wolverhampton West in the 12 months up until April 2024. 

"The Government are committed to continuing to support local clubs through investment in the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme, as well as through Sport England, which invests over £250 million of lottery and government funding each year," she said.

Miss Nandy said she was proud to have introduced the Football Governance Bill, which would establish an independent football regulator to protect the financial sustainability of English football clubs.

"We recognise the key role that lower league football clubs play at grassroots level," she said.