BURTON Albion is this week launching a new scheme offering free tickets to selected matches to people who might otherwise never get a chance to see a League One game.
As the EFL celebrates its Week of Action, during which all 72 clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two come together to promote how football is making an impact in the community Burton Albion is launching the Gift of Football scheme.
We will be offering 50 free tickets to watch the Brewers to partner organisations in the community who work with people who are struggling as household costs rise.
For many people, the choice is often heating or eating and luxuries such as attending football fixtures are completely unaffordable.
The Gift of Football offers an opportunity to see League One action at the Pirelli Stadium free of charge.
It’s part of the EFL’s Together – Supporting Communities initiative which is directly linked to the Government’s Help for Households designed to provide much needed local support at a critical time.
The first recipients of the Gift of Football tickets is Burton YMCA with Chief Executive Paul Laffey coming to the Pirelli Stadium to accept the tickets from Dino Maamria.
The Albion manager said: “The cost-of-living crisis is really hurting so many people and we are delighted to be able to make this gesture of help.
“There is nothing like seeing a live game and the Gift of Football will see 50 people who might otherwise never have a chance to see a match enjoying the special Burton Albion atmosphere.
“I can assure them that the players will be giving everything for them and making sure their match day is a memorable one.”
Brewers Chairman Ben Robinson is also President of Burton YMCA.
He said: “We couldn’t think of a better place to start than with the YMCA which through its work with the homeless and through its foodbank meets so many people who are struggling.
“The YMCA will ensure the tickets go to people who deserve a chance to come and enjoy a matchday at Burton Albion.”
Paul Laffey said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. We really appreciate this during times where families and individuals are struggling with the cost of living.
“To get 50 free tickets from Burton Albion we can only say a huge thank you to Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson, the manager Dino Maamria, all of the players and staff and everyone at the Trust.
“Our working collaboration makes a huge difference and we know that everyone who is lucky enough to receive a ticket will enjoy themselves.”