CHILDREN across Renfrewshire will be able to enjoy a free trip to the football this season after St Mirren gifted a set of season tickets to every primary school in the area.
Each of the schools has been given four season tickets for the Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand at the SMISA Stadium to be handed out within their community.
The club made the offer – thought to be among the first of its kind in the country – as part of a push to build stronger links with local schools and encourage the next generation of fans to attend matches.
That includes St Mirren’s ‘Help a Buddie’ scheme, where fans can pay for a seat for someone in the community who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
The free season tickets cover all 50 primary schools in Renfrewshire, as well as the Riverbrae and Mary Russell schools for those with additional support needs.
Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire’s education and children’s services convener, said: “The offer of more than 200 free season tickets is a very generous one and we were delighted to accept.
“St Mirren are already at the heart of the local community with their existing partnership with the council through the Street Stuff youth activity programme and the work of their charitable foundation and this will strengthen the relationship between the club and our schools.
“Most importantly, it will be good for our pupils by encouraging their interest in sport and fitness, as well as opening up the chance of a free afternoon out that may not otherwise be affordable.”
Keith Lasley, St Mirren’s chief operating officer, said the club wants to be at the heart of the local community.
“Offering season tickets to all primary schools throughout Renfrewshire is just one of the many steps we are taking in fully engaging with the community as we aim to strengthen the existing ties we already have,” he added.
“We look forward to welcoming pupils from across Renfrewshire and hope they enjoy the action at the SMiSA Stadium this season.”
Schools will decide for themselves how to distribute the tickets for each game, whether by application or prize draw.
This could include them being given to different families each week or for a staff member to accompany a group of pupils.
Parents interested in the scheme should contact their child’s school for more details.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here