Young United fans are onto a winner

Source: Tameside Advertiser

REBEL club FC United are offering kids in Tameside the chance to watch the team for free this season.

The local supporters branch has four tickets available for each and every match just waiting to be snapped up.

The club, which was set up by protesting Manchester United fans opposed to the takeover by American businessman Malcolm Glazer, is keen to forge strong links with youngsters and is determined not to see them priced out of watching football.

Successive promotions in their first two seasons will see the club locking horns with Mossley and Curzon Ashton in the league next season. Kind-hearted kit man George Hayden, of Old Road, Ashton, bought two extra junior season tickets to give out free and the club has matched his generous offer.

George, 42, said: "The idea to buy additional season tickets on top of our own renewals and then offer them out to kids across Manchester came from a supporters meeting we held.

"So we now have four and are offering them to kids in the area on a match-by-match basis to whoever wants them.

"The only criteria is that they have to live in Tameside and be under 18.

"We initially have four tickets per match to offer, but if any schools or youth groups are interested it might be possible to get more from the larger pool."

Fellow volunteer Vinny Thompson added: "This is just another example of the work the club is doing with communities across Manchester.

"Here in Tameside the club is looking to extend their work with St Peters Youth, Tameside Youth Prevention Services and Dovestones at Tameside College."

Anyone interested in the offer should log on to www.tamesideisred.co.uk, email George at georgehayden9@aol.com or call Vinny Thompson on 07792 833 086.