We are grateful to benefit from a share of the £10m of funding that has been announced for 66 National League clubs as part of a unique partnership between the National League and The National Lottery which will ensure that this season can continue.

The Pilgrims' first team have kicked off the season with 10 points from 12 in National League North, while various other teams operating under the club's umbrella have started their seasons too, including the youth team who reached the third and final qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup.

United club secretary Craig Singleton said: "This helps support the vital work we do in Boston. We run an abundance of sides from grassroots youngsters through to our walking football team. We play a huge role in Boston, with thousands of people coming into contact with the club's programmes. Protecting this, and the work of the other National League clubs, is essential for communities across the country. I cannot thank National Lottery players enough for this lifeline."

The partnership with The National Lottery 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. As a thank you, National Lottery players, who make a difference every time they buy a ticket, will also get a range of benefits – including free tickets once stadia are safe to reopen, grassroots football opportunities and VIP experiences at Wembley Stadium.

Nigel Railton, chief executive 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 are 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."