Help for struggling football fans

SPENNYMOOR Town have launched an initiative to help struggling families get to their games over the festive period.

The Vanarama National League North play-off challengers have announced their new “Match Maker” initiative, as they ask supporters to donate money towards tickets that will be distributed by Spennymoor Youth Centre to families they work with on a regular basis.

The Moors will give one ticket to the centre for every £10 donated by those connected with the club.

The initiative is similar to the ‘Gift of Football’ scheme announced by Sunderland AFC over the last two weeks.

‘Match Maker’ will run until 5pm on Wednesday, with the donations converted into tickets for next Saturday’s home game against Boston United and the Brewery Field meeting with Southport on Saturday, January 12.

Tony Wilson, managing director of Spennymoor Town, said: “Football has a unique power to bring people together, which is particularly apt at this time of year.

“We’re a community club and we’d like to share two of our high-profile clashes with as many local people as possible.

“Sadly, for many families, attending a football match is a luxury that they can’t afford. We want to help those people enjoy sport and support their local team.

“We’ve run similar initiatives before and our generous supporters, sponsors, players and officials have always come up trumps and done us proud. We hope they’ll do so again.

“It’s a short turnaround, so get your donations in early!”

Donations were taken at yesterday’s FA Trophy tie against Barwell and can also be made via the club’s official website.

MARK CARRUTHERS