Source: Manchester Evening News
FC United had a baptism of fire in the tough world of the UniBond first division.
Lancaster scored on the break, against the run of play in first half stoppage time through Ian Stevens and United spent the second half chasing the game.
Inevitably, the home side again scored from a breakaway with a late effort from Jimmy Love after FC skipper Dave Chadwick had earlier hit the bar from a header.
Jerome Wright got one back straight from kick-off but it was too late and the majority of the 2,257 crowd went home disappointed.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Striker blow for FC United
Source: M.E.N.
Stuart Brennan
15/ 8/2007
RORY Patterson is set to miss eight FC United matches next month after being reported for a red card during a pre-season friendly.
The Rebels' star striker, named as non-league Young Player of the Year last season, has picked up a 35-day suspension for "violent conduct" during the 2-1 defeat by Trafford two weeks ago.
The club is planning to appeal but, unless they are successful, the ban is expected to start on September 5 which means Patterson would miss a big FA Cup clash with Fleetwood Town should FC battle through their preliminary round tie against either Atherton LR or Trafford.
News of the ban for Patterson, who has scored 58 goals in 78 games for FC, is a third big blow to the club just days ahead of their debut in the UniBond League when they travel to play Lancaster City on Saturday.
The club has lost last season's top scorer, Stuart Rudd, for the opening three weeks of the season with a broken hand, although a special cast may allow him to return before Patterson's ban kicks in.
And Rhodri Giggs, who would have partnered Patterson up front, has left the club for Curzon Ashton following a dispute with manager Karl Marginson after the player turned up late for the pre-season friendly at AFC Wimbledon.
That means new boy Anthony Hargreaves, a former Flixton and Cammell Laird striker, is expected to make his FC debut at Lancaster.
Stuart Brennan
15/ 8/2007
RORY Patterson is set to miss eight FC United matches next month after being reported for a red card during a pre-season friendly.
The Rebels' star striker, named as non-league Young Player of the Year last season, has picked up a 35-day suspension for "violent conduct" during the 2-1 defeat by Trafford two weeks ago.
The club is planning to appeal but, unless they are successful, the ban is expected to start on September 5 which means Patterson would miss a big FA Cup clash with Fleetwood Town should FC battle through their preliminary round tie against either Atherton LR or Trafford.
News of the ban for Patterson, who has scored 58 goals in 78 games for FC, is a third big blow to the club just days ahead of their debut in the UniBond League when they travel to play Lancaster City on Saturday.
The club has lost last season's top scorer, Stuart Rudd, for the opening three weeks of the season with a broken hand, although a special cast may allow him to return before Patterson's ban kicks in.
And Rhodri Giggs, who would have partnered Patterson up front, has left the club for Curzon Ashton following a dispute with manager Karl Marginson after the player turned up late for the pre-season friendly at AFC Wimbledon.
That means new boy Anthony Hargreaves, a former Flixton and Cammell Laird striker, is expected to make his FC debut at Lancaster.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
This year I'll ride the snake like a soccer shaman
Edited from: Guardian Sport Blogs
When caught up in the magic of live football it's easy to believe that the power of the crowd is what ultimately matters; the inherent unity feels like socialism but each of the screaming 34,000 has been taxed on entry and however loud they may sound their voices are seldom heard. It is apparently futile to resist progress although tiny victories are occasionally achieved: disenchanted Manchester United fans have established FC United, a collectively financed club that truly belongs to its supporters. Presumably, though, were the club to clamber through the multitude of leagues to penetrate the national consciousness and challenge for trinkets the inevitable tide would also consume this idealistic vessel.
When caught up in the magic of live football it's easy to believe that the power of the crowd is what ultimately matters; the inherent unity feels like socialism but each of the screaming 34,000 has been taxed on entry and however loud they may sound their voices are seldom heard. It is apparently futile to resist progress although tiny victories are occasionally achieved: disenchanted Manchester United fans have established FC United, a collectively financed club that truly belongs to its supporters. Presumably, though, were the club to clamber through the multitude of leagues to penetrate the national consciousness and challenge for trinkets the inevitable tide would also consume this idealistic vessel.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Swarbrick and FC United ready for new challenge
Source: North West Evening Mail
FOOTBALL
BARROW footballer Dave Swarbrick is stepping up another level this season with his league-storming FC United of Manchester team.
The former Barrow AFC and Holker Old Boys attacking midfielder will line-up in Unibond League Division One North as the supporters’ spin-off team look to continue their march up the tiers of English football.
And Swarbrick is optimistic for both his own and his team’s fortunes ahead of the new campaign.
“Pre-season has gone really well. It’s my first full pre-season in a while so I’m feeling good,” said the 23-year-old, who trains twice a week with the squad in the Manchester area.
“The training has been really hard, but all the lads have naturally high levels of fitness.
“I’m confident in myself and the team are definitely confident.
“We recently drew with a strong Kidderminster side and they are a Conference team.”
FC United, formed in 2005 by supporters angry at Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of Manchster United, have shown well in their pre-season friendlies and Swarbrick believes that promotion is a realistic target.
“We’ve played friendlies against teams from higher divisions and we’ve coped well,” said Swarbrick, whose 2006/07 season was disrupted by a knee problem which required an operation.
“I think we’re capable of challenging for the title this season.”
One player Swarbrick will not be lining up alongside this season is Rhodri Giggs — brother of Ryan — who was recently released by the Red Rebels and is rumoured to be joining rivals Curzon Ashton. The opening fixture in FC United’s league campaign is on Saturday, August 18 with a trip to Lancaster City.
And, with former Furness Cavaliers centre-half Chris Lysons now signed up and playing for the Dolly Blues, the season opener could provide a match-up between former team-mates.
“Chris is a good player and I think he can do well in that league,” said Swarbrick.
Lysons could be joined at Giant Axe this coming season by Millom-based ex-AFC striker Carl Waters and Furness Cavaliers frontman Pat Staunton. Both have been trialing for the Dolly Blues during this pre-season.
l Dalton United were held to a goalless draw at home by Garstang in the West Lancs Premier Division on Tuesday night. The Railway Meadow outfit — who won their season opener 3-2 against Barnoldswick — hit the woodwork three times and had two penalty shouts turned down.
Co-manager Jon Balm said: “I was really pleased with our performance, we did everything but score.
“Garstang came to do a job and put 10 men behind the ball.”
During the game, teenager Joel Callister broke his nose and cracked his cheekbone following an accidental clash of heads. He is recovering at home.
Sam Stephens played in goal but is expected to return for Holker Old Boys this Saturday when they begin their North West Counties Division Two campaign at home to Bootle.
l There will be a benefit match for well-known local footballer Andy Baharmanesh this Sunday.
The game between Vickerstown and Barrow AFC reserves will take place at Park Vale (2pm start).
Baharmanesh suffered a serious leg injury while playing for AFC reserves in January.
The horrific injury left the soldier’s army career in tatters.
AFC reserves won their second pre-season friendly when they defeated Bootle 6-3 at Holker Street on Tuesday night.
Tod Bamber (2), Kris Lancaster (2), Phil Morris and Liam Holmes netted for the Bluebirds in a highly-entertaining game.
The Bootle scorers were Andrew Marshall, Wayne Dawson and Steven Moore.
AFC reserve team boss Ian Gay would like to thank Bootle for their co-operation in arranging the fixture.
AFC reserves: C Burns, D Pattinson, G Smith, J MCGoldrick, P Johnson, W Napier, J Gay, K Lancaster, T Bamber, J Jones, P Morris. Subs used: R Grainey, L Holmes.
l There were two preliminary round games in the Paul Wilson Memorial Trophy on Monday night.
Holders BAE Barrow SC reserves beat Furness Cavaliers reserves 5-4 after extra-time.
The scores were tied at 4-4 after 90 minutes, with the extra-time winner coming from player/manager Stuart Walker.
The other scorers for BAE were Stuart Houston, Grant Cumberbatch, Danny Graham and Mark Bonner. Cavs’ scorers were Michael Johnson, Dale Cleece, Steve Morgan and Stephen Lancaster.
In the other game, Furness Athletic (previously called Furness Hotel) began their season with an excellent 2-1 win at Tummerhill against Walney Island.
Their man-of-the-match James McGoldrick scored both goals, with Chris Burns replying for Walney.
The Furness Premier League season starts in earnest this weekend with Premier Division games tomorrow night (6.15pm) and Division One games on Saturday afternoon (2pm.)
Clubs are reminded that results should be texted to 07709 695250 by the home club and should include the scorers from both teams.
FOOTBALL
BARROW footballer Dave Swarbrick is stepping up another level this season with his league-storming FC United of Manchester team.
The former Barrow AFC and Holker Old Boys attacking midfielder will line-up in Unibond League Division One North as the supporters’ spin-off team look to continue their march up the tiers of English football.
And Swarbrick is optimistic for both his own and his team’s fortunes ahead of the new campaign.
“Pre-season has gone really well. It’s my first full pre-season in a while so I’m feeling good,” said the 23-year-old, who trains twice a week with the squad in the Manchester area.
“The training has been really hard, but all the lads have naturally high levels of fitness.
“I’m confident in myself and the team are definitely confident.
“We recently drew with a strong Kidderminster side and they are a Conference team.”
FC United, formed in 2005 by supporters angry at Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of Manchster United, have shown well in their pre-season friendlies and Swarbrick believes that promotion is a realistic target.
“We’ve played friendlies against teams from higher divisions and we’ve coped well,” said Swarbrick, whose 2006/07 season was disrupted by a knee problem which required an operation.
“I think we’re capable of challenging for the title this season.”
One player Swarbrick will not be lining up alongside this season is Rhodri Giggs — brother of Ryan — who was recently released by the Red Rebels and is rumoured to be joining rivals Curzon Ashton. The opening fixture in FC United’s league campaign is on Saturday, August 18 with a trip to Lancaster City.
And, with former Furness Cavaliers centre-half Chris Lysons now signed up and playing for the Dolly Blues, the season opener could provide a match-up between former team-mates.
“Chris is a good player and I think he can do well in that league,” said Swarbrick.
Lysons could be joined at Giant Axe this coming season by Millom-based ex-AFC striker Carl Waters and Furness Cavaliers frontman Pat Staunton. Both have been trialing for the Dolly Blues during this pre-season.
l Dalton United were held to a goalless draw at home by Garstang in the West Lancs Premier Division on Tuesday night. The Railway Meadow outfit — who won their season opener 3-2 against Barnoldswick — hit the woodwork three times and had two penalty shouts turned down.
Co-manager Jon Balm said: “I was really pleased with our performance, we did everything but score.
“Garstang came to do a job and put 10 men behind the ball.”
During the game, teenager Joel Callister broke his nose and cracked his cheekbone following an accidental clash of heads. He is recovering at home.
Sam Stephens played in goal but is expected to return for Holker Old Boys this Saturday when they begin their North West Counties Division Two campaign at home to Bootle.
l There will be a benefit match for well-known local footballer Andy Baharmanesh this Sunday.
The game between Vickerstown and Barrow AFC reserves will take place at Park Vale (2pm start).
Baharmanesh suffered a serious leg injury while playing for AFC reserves in January.
The horrific injury left the soldier’s army career in tatters.
AFC reserves won their second pre-season friendly when they defeated Bootle 6-3 at Holker Street on Tuesday night.
Tod Bamber (2), Kris Lancaster (2), Phil Morris and Liam Holmes netted for the Bluebirds in a highly-entertaining game.
The Bootle scorers were Andrew Marshall, Wayne Dawson and Steven Moore.
AFC reserve team boss Ian Gay would like to thank Bootle for their co-operation in arranging the fixture.
AFC reserves: C Burns, D Pattinson, G Smith, J MCGoldrick, P Johnson, W Napier, J Gay, K Lancaster, T Bamber, J Jones, P Morris. Subs used: R Grainey, L Holmes.
l There were two preliminary round games in the Paul Wilson Memorial Trophy on Monday night.
Holders BAE Barrow SC reserves beat Furness Cavaliers reserves 5-4 after extra-time.
The scores were tied at 4-4 after 90 minutes, with the extra-time winner coming from player/manager Stuart Walker.
The other scorers for BAE were Stuart Houston, Grant Cumberbatch, Danny Graham and Mark Bonner. Cavs’ scorers were Michael Johnson, Dale Cleece, Steve Morgan and Stephen Lancaster.
In the other game, Furness Athletic (previously called Furness Hotel) began their season with an excellent 2-1 win at Tummerhill against Walney Island.
Their man-of-the-match James McGoldrick scored both goals, with Chris Burns replying for Walney.
The Furness Premier League season starts in earnest this weekend with Premier Division games tomorrow night (6.15pm) and Division One games on Saturday afternoon (2pm.)
Clubs are reminded that results should be texted to 07709 695250 by the home club and should include the scorers from both teams.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Sealing Giggs swoop
Source: Tameside Advertiser
CURZON Ashton have moved quickly to snap up former Mossley winger Rhodri Giggs after he parted company with FC United on Monday.
Giggs (pictured) scored 15 goals in his 37 appearances during FC’s title-winning campaign last season which saw them secure promotion into the UniBond League along with Curzon.
However, Giggs’ arrival was quickly followed by one player going through the exit door as the former Stalybridge Celtic and Hyde United defender Dave German departed the Tameside Stadium.
Curzon manager Gary Lowe said: “When I heard Rhodri had parted company with FC, I knew that I would have to move quickly to secure his signature as I felt sure that there would be interest in him from a number of other clubs.
“Not surprisingly we know a lot about Rhodri having come up against him as we did last season as well as watching him in one or two other games, and with a couple pre-season games to go before the season starts, he’ll obviously figure very heavily in those games.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t working out with Dave and so we both agreed that it would be best if we parted company now rather than later.
“It gives him the chance to find another club and for us to find a replacement before the kick-off to the season. We wish him well.”
Curzon, who lost 2-0 at UniBond South newcomers Quorn last weekend, come up against Sheffield FC at the Tameside Stadium with the visitors – who won last season’s Northern Counties East League Premier Division – reputed to be the oldest club in football, formed almost 150 years ago in October 1857. The game kicks off at 2pm with admission £5 for adults and £2 concessions.
First published by the Tameside Advertiser
CURZON Ashton have moved quickly to snap up former Mossley winger Rhodri Giggs after he parted company with FC United on Monday.
Giggs (pictured) scored 15 goals in his 37 appearances during FC’s title-winning campaign last season which saw them secure promotion into the UniBond League along with Curzon.
However, Giggs’ arrival was quickly followed by one player going through the exit door as the former Stalybridge Celtic and Hyde United defender Dave German departed the Tameside Stadium.
Curzon manager Gary Lowe said: “When I heard Rhodri had parted company with FC, I knew that I would have to move quickly to secure his signature as I felt sure that there would be interest in him from a number of other clubs.
“Not surprisingly we know a lot about Rhodri having come up against him as we did last season as well as watching him in one or two other games, and with a couple pre-season games to go before the season starts, he’ll obviously figure very heavily in those games.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t working out with Dave and so we both agreed that it would be best if we parted company now rather than later.
“It gives him the chance to find another club and for us to find a replacement before the kick-off to the season. We wish him well.”
Curzon, who lost 2-0 at UniBond South newcomers Quorn last weekend, come up against Sheffield FC at the Tameside Stadium with the visitors – who won last season’s Northern Counties East League Premier Division – reputed to be the oldest club in football, formed almost 150 years ago in October 1857. The game kicks off at 2pm with admission £5 for adults and £2 concessions.
First published by the Tameside Advertiser
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Dons win against FC United
Source: South London Press
Aug 6 2007
John Stanton Reports From The Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium
AFC DONS 2 FC UNITED 0
AS GIGGS tore down the wing and cut inside,AFC Wimbledon fans could have been forgiven for thinking they were watching the Wimbledon of old, taking on the country's elite.
This, though, was Ryan's brother Rhodri, and the occasion was the Dons' first home pre-season friendly of the season, their annual battle with fellow fans' club FC United.
This Giggs, the spitting image of his more famous brother, was powerless to stop wave after wave of home attacks, as Wimbledon finally added a potency to their play that had previously been missing in pre-season.
The Dons have looked defensively adept throughout their friendly matches, but have lacked the creativity in the final third to really excite their demanding fans.
But the mood at the end of this encounter was one of optimism, a sense of hope engulfing the Fans' Stadium after a display in which their side pummelled the visitors with a near constant stream of attacks, testing FC United keeper Sam Ashton 16 times in total.
Having spent the summer months searching for the one man he hoped would fire his side to promotion, Terry Brown eventually chose Daniel Webb, the striker with Champions League experience.
In his home debut for the Dons, he impressed throughout and gave Brown much cause for satisfaction.
The manager admitted last week that he has no idea of his best front two for the start of the season, but the performances of Webb and strike partner Richard Jolly will have done much to help Brown make his decision.
The win was eventually secured at a canter, but in the opening stages it was FC United who looked the more composed side, pinging the ball around with confidence.
For all their neat, intricate approach play, though, they failed to trouble Andy Little in the early stages.
The Dons came closest in the first 15 minutes,with Webb and Steve Ferguson both bringing saves from Ashton, the visitors' outstanding player.
And the pressure soon told when, on 20 minutes, United captain Dave Chadwick clambered all over Jolly in the box.
Referee Ian Crouch pointed straight to the spot, but Sam Hatton's fiercely-struck effort was saved brilliantly by Ashton as he flung himself to his right.
At the other end Dave Swarbrick did manage to outfox Jake Leberl down the United right, but his shot flashed harmlessly across the face of Little's goal.
That aside,it was all Wimbledon. Hatton's effort from an acute angle was hacked off the line by Rob Nugent before, finally, after 41 minutes, the Dons scored the goal their pressure deserved.
Luke Garrard and Hatton combined well on the right, teeing up Ferguson to deliver an inviting cross for Webb, who flung himself towards the ball and directed it perfectly beyond the despairing Ashton's right hand.
Then, with 30 seconds of stoppage time already played, United's Dale Whitehead aimed a casual pass to Liam Foster, but the alert Tony Finn intercepted and raced through, before sliding the ball under the exposed Ashton.
The second half saw more of the same, though the keeper refused to be beaten.
Perhaps it will worry Brown that his side missed so many chances, but it is more likely he will be delighted by the ease with which his attacking players found themselves in scoring positions.
Webb raced clean through on goal on the hour mark, but he shot straight at the keeper, while Finn's brilliant effort a minute later was superbly tipped onto the post by Ashton, the keeper by now working overtime.
Jolly was the next to benefit from slack United defending after good work from Ferguson to rob Shaun Roscoe,but again Ashton saved his team.
The keeper then had about an eight minute breather before his next heroic stop, a full-length dive to his right to turn a fizzing Hatton 25-yarder round the post.
Eventually, the onslaught drew to a close, though not before Karl Beckford produced a piece of magic to split the United defence once more, threading a pass to Webb, but Ashton sprinted from his line to close down the imposing striker.
If Giggs had been the star name, it was the performances of the Dons players which really stole the show.
Aug 6 2007
John Stanton Reports From The Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium
AFC DONS 2 FC UNITED 0
AS GIGGS tore down the wing and cut inside,AFC Wimbledon fans could have been forgiven for thinking they were watching the Wimbledon of old, taking on the country's elite.
This, though, was Ryan's brother Rhodri, and the occasion was the Dons' first home pre-season friendly of the season, their annual battle with fellow fans' club FC United.
This Giggs, the spitting image of his more famous brother, was powerless to stop wave after wave of home attacks, as Wimbledon finally added a potency to their play that had previously been missing in pre-season.
The Dons have looked defensively adept throughout their friendly matches, but have lacked the creativity in the final third to really excite their demanding fans.
But the mood at the end of this encounter was one of optimism, a sense of hope engulfing the Fans' Stadium after a display in which their side pummelled the visitors with a near constant stream of attacks, testing FC United keeper Sam Ashton 16 times in total.
Having spent the summer months searching for the one man he hoped would fire his side to promotion, Terry Brown eventually chose Daniel Webb, the striker with Champions League experience.
In his home debut for the Dons, he impressed throughout and gave Brown much cause for satisfaction.
The manager admitted last week that he has no idea of his best front two for the start of the season, but the performances of Webb and strike partner Richard Jolly will have done much to help Brown make his decision.
The win was eventually secured at a canter, but in the opening stages it was FC United who looked the more composed side, pinging the ball around with confidence.
For all their neat, intricate approach play, though, they failed to trouble Andy Little in the early stages.
The Dons came closest in the first 15 minutes,with Webb and Steve Ferguson both bringing saves from Ashton, the visitors' outstanding player.
And the pressure soon told when, on 20 minutes, United captain Dave Chadwick clambered all over Jolly in the box.
Referee Ian Crouch pointed straight to the spot, but Sam Hatton's fiercely-struck effort was saved brilliantly by Ashton as he flung himself to his right.
At the other end Dave Swarbrick did manage to outfox Jake Leberl down the United right, but his shot flashed harmlessly across the face of Little's goal.
That aside,it was all Wimbledon. Hatton's effort from an acute angle was hacked off the line by Rob Nugent before, finally, after 41 minutes, the Dons scored the goal their pressure deserved.
Luke Garrard and Hatton combined well on the right, teeing up Ferguson to deliver an inviting cross for Webb, who flung himself towards the ball and directed it perfectly beyond the despairing Ashton's right hand.
Then, with 30 seconds of stoppage time already played, United's Dale Whitehead aimed a casual pass to Liam Foster, but the alert Tony Finn intercepted and raced through, before sliding the ball under the exposed Ashton.
The second half saw more of the same, though the keeper refused to be beaten.
Perhaps it will worry Brown that his side missed so many chances, but it is more likely he will be delighted by the ease with which his attacking players found themselves in scoring positions.
Webb raced clean through on goal on the hour mark, but he shot straight at the keeper, while Finn's brilliant effort a minute later was superbly tipped onto the post by Ashton, the keeper by now working overtime.
Jolly was the next to benefit from slack United defending after good work from Ferguson to rob Shaun Roscoe,but again Ashton saved his team.
The keeper then had about an eight minute breather before his next heroic stop, a full-length dive to his right to turn a fizzing Hatton 25-yarder round the post.
Eventually, the onslaught drew to a close, though not before Karl Beckford produced a piece of magic to split the United defence once more, threading a pass to Webb, but Ashton sprinted from his line to close down the imposing striker.
If Giggs had been the star name, it was the performances of the Dons players which really stole the show.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
FC United ace in injury blow
Source: M.E.N.
FC United will start the season without last season's top scorer Stuart Rudd after he broke his wrist and two fingers.
The man whose 45 goals spearheaded their charge into the UniBond League is expected to be out for up to four weeks after surgery.
FC United will start the season without last season's top scorer Stuart Rudd after he broke his wrist and two fingers.
The man whose 45 goals spearheaded their charge into the UniBond League is expected to be out for up to four weeks after surgery.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
FC United get set for season
Source: The Bolton News
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED went down 2-1 to Trafford in a potential dress rehearsal of next month's FA Cup clash.
The breakaway club are due to meet Trafford or Atherton LR in the preliminary round of the famous competition on September 1.
But manager Karl Marginson will not be unduly concerned about the result after fielding a select XI in Tuesday's night's friendly defeat.
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The Gigg Lane outfit, who drew with Kidderminster on Sunday and were in action again last night against Atherton Collieries, continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday ahead of the start of the start of the new season on August 18.
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED went down 2-1 to Trafford in a potential dress rehearsal of next month's FA Cup clash.
The breakaway club are due to meet Trafford or Atherton LR in the preliminary round of the famous competition on September 1.
But manager Karl Marginson will not be unduly concerned about the result after fielding a select XI in Tuesday's night's friendly defeat.
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The Gigg Lane outfit, who drew with Kidderminster on Sunday and were in action again last night against Atherton Collieries, continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday ahead of the start of the start of the new season on August 18.
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.
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.
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