Thousands of youngsters will get free tickets to watch Carlisle United this season thanks to the Cumberland Building Society.
The society is renewing its community scheme for what will be its 19th year.
It provides up to 200 free tickets to primary schools, community groups and junior football teams at every home match at Brunton Park.
Fans anticipate an exciting campaign following investment by the club’s new US owners, the Piatak family. United are among the favourites for promotion from League Two following the disappointment of relegation last season.
Andrew Gordon, business development manager for The Cumberland, said: “We’re delighted to be renewing the scheme for another season.
“There’s a natural affinity between the local football club and the local building society. Through this scheme, we’re helping to create the fans of the future.
“There’s a genuine buzz about Carlisle United following the Piataks’ investment and optimism about the prospects for this season. I can’t wait to see the youngsters’ faces when they see the Blues get back to winning ways.”
More than 30,000 young fans have benefited from the scheme over the years.
As well as seeing a match, they meet some of the players, get their picture taken with the mascot Olga, walk around the pitch and sit in the dugout. They also receive a free ticket and a half-price adult ticket for the next home game.
Tom Piatak, United’s chairman, believes the ticket scheme helps to grow the club’s fanbase by giving youngsters their first taste of professional football.
Speaking at the end of last season, he said: “I love to see the kids here. It’s important to us to encourage them to come and for them to get their friends to participate. That’s how we grow the community support that the club needs.”
United’s 2024-25 League Two campaign kicks off a long way from home at Gillingham on Saturday August 10.
The first home fixture is an EFL Carabao Cup tie against Championship club Stoke City the following Tuesday, followed by a Cumbrian derby against Barrow in League Two at Brunton Park on Saturday August 17.
