A high profile football team in our area are continuing to develop community links with schools by offering children the chance to watch their matches for free.

Lowestoft Town FC have launched the 'Free Football For Schools' initiative, where primary school children in Lowestoft will be given free season tickets in a bid to 'start a whole new generation of Trawlerboy supporters' and to show the 'the quality of football on offer and the fantastic atmosphere Crown Meadow builds.'

The club have joined up with holiday firm Hoseasons to launch the scheme, and there is also the hope that young fans will make friends with other children, possibly from different schools, at the matches.

The team are currently competing in the Vanarama National League North, and are the third highest ranked team in Norfolk and Suffolk.

If the scheme is successful, the club plans to introduce a match day kids club and expand the scheme to other age groups such as high schools and even nurseries in the future.

Sam Hossack, sales and marketing executive at the club, said: 'After reviewing pricing at local professional and semi-professional clubs, we feel that some families are being priced out of football, and we are extremely proud now to be giving children an opportunity to come and enjoy watching football at their local semi-professional club completely free.

'The kids will not only be a supporters, they will be part of a community.'

Mr Hossack was also keen to emphasise how the scheme can enhance the profile of the club.

'In everything we do, the aim is to boost the profile and standing of the club in the town and in East Anglia.

'If we are able to show the kids in the area the quality of football on offer and the fantastic atmosphere Crown Meadow builds, this should hopefully build the clubs supporter base and hopefully have a long term impact in raising our profile in the area.

'We want to start a whole new generation of Trawler Boy supporters.'

Matt Smith, head of HR at Hoseasons, added: 'Family values and the importance of spending quality time with those who matter most is at the very heart of everything we do at Hoseasons, so it made absolute sense to us to get behind this scheme.

'We're delighted to be working with Lowestoft Town FC and helping to inspire a new generation of young fans for the Trawlerboys.'

Ashley Carver, PE teacher at Meadow Primary School, which has benefitted from the scheme, added: 'It is always good for the children to follow their local team, and i think this can inspire children to take part in more sporting activities as well.'

For further information about the programme, contact Mr Hossack on 07842 007189 or sales@lowestofttownfc.co.uk.

Are you starting a new initiative in Lowestoft? Email: joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk