Press Release: Tickets for schools nurtures next generation of Sky Blues

Schoolchildren and their families in Coventry and Warwickshire are benefiting from an exciting new scheme to watch the Sky Blues in action.

Coventry City have set up a new Tickets for Schools programme that will see children at all local primary schools offered discounted prices for one match a season at the Ricoh Arena.

The club expect to introduce 10,000 children and families to the experience of attending a live professional football match over the coming year.

Tickets for Schools was thought-up by City fan Pat Abel and, after discussions with commercial director Nathan Kosky and a pilot programme, it has been adopted by the club.

Ahead of each home game, Pat and her team, headed by Cheryl Bates, will visit three separate schools in the area and allow staff and pupils to purchase the specially priced tickets before moving onto three different schools for the next game.

In a trial run, the club boosted the gate by 250 people from just one school, with a huge percentage being first-time visitors and the numbers of participants swelled to over 1,000 for the West Bromwich Albion game.

Kosky said: “We get lots of ideas from supporters and we try to listen to all of them and adopt them where they can.

“But I don’t think we’ve had an idea from a fan that involves as much work as this and who is then willing to help run the scheme in this way to help get more people to the Ricoh.

“Pat, Cheryl and their volunteers have been fantastic and their enthusiasm is certainly going to help make this new scheme a success.

“We hope that each school visit will boost crowds for individual matches but on top of that, we expect a long term effect of people enjoying their visit enough to keep coming.

“We are totally geared up for families here at the Ricoh – and particularly with a major investment in the JSB Zone which means there is a lot to do before the game like free face-painting, playing FIFA 10 on the Play Stations and arts and crafts, as well as enjoying the action on the pitch at a very reasonable price.

“This new scheme also highlights our commitment to the local community and our work in the area has never been more active with players visiting schools and Dave Busst’s community team out there giving coaching to thousands of youngsters.”

Chris Rose, head teacher from Stivichall Primary School – the first school to take part, went with his young family alongside his pupils for the Middlesbrough game.

He said: “It was a really pleasant experience and will definitely be a hugely popular scheme that gives all Coventry school children and their families a perfect chance to attend a professional match together for the first time and become fans of the future. We look forward to taking part again next season.”

Each participating school gets a range of benefits as well as the ticket offer, including signed team merchandise and the chance of earning a visit from a Sky Blues player.

Any schools or groups wishing to take part should contact jane.smith@ricoharena.com

Media enquiries:
Simon Gilbert
Advent Communications
2 Edison Building
Electric Wharf
Sandy Lane
Coventry CV1 4JA
Tel: 024 7663 3636
http://www.advent-communications.co.uk