Nearly 3,000 children have been able to see Carlisle United for free this season as part of the Cumberland’s community ticket scheme with the club.
It has been a successful season for the Blues who are pushing for promotion and a record number of schools and junior clubs have been able to share in the excitement this season thanks to the project which is sponsored by The Cumberland.
Figures released by the club show that 2,720 children have had free tickets this season – a record number in the 16 years the initiative has been running.
And figures released by the club show that 17,407 children have enjoyed a day out at Brunton Park during the last 10 seasons.
United manager Paul Simpson praised the scheme which gives many children their first taste of supporting the Blues.
He said: “The Cumberland Community Ticket Scheme is a huge part of our match day for so many young people, and I always like walking down the tunnel and seeing them as they enjoy the experience of taking a peek behind the scenes.
“It is becoming more and more popular and the children who attend always add to the atmosphere from their place in the Cumberland Stand.
“I’d like to thank everybody who has played a part in making this so successful this season, and we look forward to welcoming more groups as we bring this season to a close, and look forward to the next one,” he said.
Cumberland Community Ticket Scheme provides primary schools, community groups and junior football teams with free tickets for all the home football matches during the season. Children not only get to see the match, but get to see behind the scenes, walk down the players’ tunnel and sit in the dugout. There’s also a chance to meet the players and Olga the Fox.
Andrew Gordon, head of relationships for The Cumberland, meets the children each week and shares his enthusiasm for Carlisle United.
He said: “I love coming and showing the children around the club. When you see the children’s faces they’re so excited it’s brilliant. Obviously Carlisle United have had a really exciting season and we will all be hoping that it ends in promotion.
“It’s fantastic that we have been able to help record numbers of kids visit Brunton Park this season and it has really added to the buzz around home matches along with the club’s other initiatives that have swelled attendances. Hopefully the children will be coming back next season to cheer on United in League One.”
