Local children benefit from ticketing initiative

Groups of children, under the age of 16, have been able to attend matches at Old Trafford free of charge, as part of the club’s drive to make live football more accessible for young people

The initiative has been in place for Manchester United’s matches against Rochdale and Colchester United in the Carabao Cup, and Astana, Partizan Belgrade and AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. It follows similar ticket distribution schemes which have been run in recent seasons in conjunction with Manchester United Foundation.

Schools, local football teams and other youth organisations have been among the hundreds of groups that have successfully applied for free tickets to see the Reds in action this season.

This group offer sits alongside other ticketing initiatives, such as the stadium-wide £10 tickets for Under 16s; 50 per cent discount for 16-17 year olds; 25 per cent discount for 18-20 year olds; and ticket discounts for Our Pass youth travel card holders across Greater Manchester.

Collette Roche, chief operating officer, said: “We are committed to helping younger fans watch live, affordable football. This is part of our efforts to help create a consistently vibrant atmosphere at Old Trafford and encourage our next generation of match-goers.

“While the stadium is sold out for the vast majority of games we feel that it is important to seize these rare opportunities to widen access and give back to our local community.

“The feedback that we have received on this grassroots ticketing promotion has been terrific. It’s put a smile on a lot of kids’ faces, many of whom will have visited Old Trafford for the first time.

“We welcome each and every one of them to the Manchester United family.”