THE Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund was a ‘massive help’ to stricken Lowestoft Town striker Shaun Bammant.

He suffered a double break of his left leg during the Trawlerboys’ 4-1 defeat away to Rushall Olympic in the BetVictor Southern Central Premier Division on September 28th last year.

The 30-year-old is a high-profile example of the benefits clubs can seek for their players by contributing to the Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund when affiliating for the forthcoming season.

Bammant, who lives in Norwich and is an electrician by trade was unable to work for nearly three months after breaking both his fibula and tibula.

Through Lowestoft Town paying into the Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund, Bammant was eligible for financial help.

He said: “I was off work for a total 11 weeks, I developed a blood clot in my calf of the broken leg post operation, so this delayed my return by a couple of weeks. I also was only allowed to return to work on light duties for a couple of weeks. 

“The Benevolent Fund was a massive help, not only did it help financially but it’s also good to know people are there for you and want to help.

“I wasn’t aware of the Benevolent Fund until the club and a team mate informed me.

“As soon as I started the process with Suffolk FA they always kept me informed and updated. With the huge support from the club, team mates, fans and the Benevolent Fund they equally helped me get through that tough period easier and more manageably.”

Bammant, who is hoping to return to action in September, the current COVID-19 pandemic permitting, subsequently made a further successful application to The FA Benevolent Fund.

Shaun Bammant (above centre) playing for Lowestoft Town and (main photograph) in action against Suffolk rivals Leiston. Photographs: Shirley Whitlow

Macron Suffolk & Ipswich League Division One club Bacton United 89 were also grateful for the financial support two of their players received from the Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund last season.

Club secretary Simon Borley said the club had not needed to make a claim since January 2010 but had continued to contribute to the fund.

He said: “Making a claim couldn't be simpler – just one short form to complete and submit together with the player's medical certificate.

“Our club had not made a claim for 10 years, but this season we made two claims for players who had sustained broken bones during matches and who could not work for several weeks.

“Both players received substantial payments from the Suffolk FA Benevolent Fund, which would not have been possible if our club had not contributed to the fund as part of the club affiliation process.

“It is really important to contribute a worthwhile amount each season as payments received by players are determined based on the club's generosity during affiliation.”

Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal said: “This fund is totally separate to the insurances which clubs and teams are required to have.

“We’re proud to continue to support players, parents of players, and match officials who incur financial loss as a result of an injury sustained whilst playing football.

“Clubs contributing during the affiliation process ensures applications can be made from the first training session or match of the season, and the greater the contribution, the greater the potential financial support in addition to any claim via the club’s insurance. There is no limit to the number of claims a club can make.”

Further information including application forms can be found by clicking here