New manager Mark Hughes has praised a scheme which gives thousands of youngsters with free tickets to watch Carlisle United, thanks to The Cumberland.
The building society is extending its community scheme, now in its 19th year, which provides up to 200 free tickets to primary schools, junior football teams, and community groups for every home game at Brunton Park.
Andrew Gordon, business development manager at The Cumberland, is excited to continue the initiative.
He said: “We’re delighted to be running the scheme for another season. There’s a natural connection between the local football club and the local building society, and this scheme helps to create the next generation of Carlisle United fans.”
More than 30,000 young supporters have already benefited from the scheme over the years, with many attending their first live football match.
As well as watching the game, they are given a special matchday experience which includes a tour of Brunton Park including a chance to sit in the dugout, and a meet and greet with Carlisle United players and Olga the Fox, the club’s mascot.
Attendees also receive a voucher for a free ticket to the next home match, along with a half-price adult ticket.
Speaking at the recent match against Colchester United, Andrew said the initiative was instrumental in giving local children memorable football experiences.
“It’s a brilliant day out for the kids. They get to meet the players, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the full matchday experience,” he said.
“Hopefully, it inspires them to come back again and again.”
At the Colchester game, the scheme welcomed seven groups of schoolchildren and junior football clubs.
Among them were players from North Bank Girls Under-10s, whose coach Helen Nicholson said: “It’s so important to get girls involved in football.
“This event gives them the chance to see the game up close and feel part of it.”
Young footballers from Winscales, Cockermouth, and other junior clubs were also in attendance, including Gabriel Jones, a 10-year-old goalkeeper, who said: “It’s great to come as a team and watch a real game together.
“I’ve never been on the pitch before, so this is really exciting.”
Michael Hawley, coach of an Under-10s mixed team, said: “It’s a great way for the kids to support their local club.
“A lot of them watch football on TV, but coming to a match like this is completely different.”
The Cumberland has a long-standing relationship with Carlisle United, previously selling match tickets from its town centre branch and continuing to sponsor one of the stands at Brunton Park.
This season is particularly crucial for United, with new head coach Mark Hughes taking charge to lead the club’s fight against relegation.
Hughes said: “Even in my short time at the club I’ve been struck by the huge support from the local community for Carlisle United.
“We can’t thank The Cumberland enough for their Community Ticket Scheme, helping to create the next generations of Blues fans, giving youngsters the chance to see their first football match and hopefully fall in love with the club.
“Rest assured, the team are doing everything we can to reward that support on the pitch and achieve the outcome we’re all desperate to see.”
United owner Tom Piatak was also full of praise for the ticket scheme. He said: “It’s amazing to see so many young fans here. Initiatives like The Cumberland’s Community ticket scheme are so important in helping to continue generating the support that this club needs for generations to come”
Andrew added: “As a local organisation, we’re proud to be part of the Carlisle community, and initiatives like this help bring people together.
“The football club is a huge part of Carlisle’s identity, and there’s a real buzz around the club right now.
“We’re all hoping for a strong end to the season, and it’s fantastic to have young fans here cheering the team on.”
The Cumberland’s Community Ticket Scheme will continue to run throughout the season, giving more young fans the chance to experience live football at Brunton Park.
