Got a youngster? Why not join us in the family area!
Last season, Dale and the other 71 teams across The Football League sold a combined 3,500,000 junior tickets, meaning young people made up almost 1/3 of all crowds during 2013/14.
This season, we’re looking to build on that, and with uptake on the under 7s season tickets already rising three fold in two years, we want to make the day out at Spotland a positive experience.
As in previous years, Football in the Community staff will again be handing out free junior tickets to schools across the Rochdale area. And two different schools will be chosen to play on the pitch at half time at each home match.
The youngsters who attend the game as guests of Football in the Community watch the match from the Pearl Street Stand, making for a family friendly atmosphere.
Although this stand has been known as the family stand in previous seasons, we’re going that extra mile for the 2014/15 campaign by re-launching a section of the stand as our official family area.
We’ve had a range of new ‘Enjoy the match’ signage made in our team colours, including a Code of Conduct, which will be displayed within the family area. They’ve been delivered and will be installed this week.
Desmond the Dragon will also have a prominent place in there, so make sure you say hello!
Dale Chief Executive, Colin Garlick, commented: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of junior supporters attending our matches, particularly in the age category of 7s and under. We pride ourselves on being a family friendly club and our FREE of CHARGE season ticket for 7s and under has really taken off over the last couple of seasons. Initiatives like these helps to make football more affordable and attractive to the family as whole.”
Football League Head of Customer Services Andrea Brown said “We’re really proud of the work Football League clubs across the country do to attract new fans. These statistics just go to show that this work is having a real impact.
“The new club-branded Enjoy the Match campaign materials have been sent to clubs for the start of the new season, and we’re positive the initiative will continue to go from strength to strength.”