Wednesday 30 December 2015

Stourbridge FC Reminder

The Glassboys featured on these pages earlier in December to highlight the reduced prices for their annual Community Day which takes place on Saturday 2nd January.

It's £5 Adults, £3 Seniors and 16-18 Year-Olds and free for accompanied Under-16's but one important thing to add is that Stourbridge will be holding a bucket collection for their opponents on the day, Ramsbottom United, after extensive flood damage to their Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

Stourbridge's board of directors have also pledged to make an additional donation to the Rams from club funds.

http://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/bucket-collection-in-aid-of-ramsbottom-united-1545611.html?

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Ten Matches To Kick Off 2016

2nd: It is ‘Pay What You Want’ day at Ryman League Hendon FC, who host Wingate & Finchley, with virtual admission available for those who can’t make it.

Stourbridge FC
mark their Annual Community Day with the visit of Ramsbottom United in the Evo-Stik Norhern Premier League. Prices have been reduced to £5 Adults, £3 Concessions and free for Under-16’s.

4th: Manchester United U-21’s take on Tottenham at
Leigh Sports Village and admission is free for the 7pm kick-off.

The Reds’ youngsters are scheduled to play at the same venue on Monday 18th against Southampton and Monday 25th against Sunderland while Blackburn Rovers take on Leicester City on Monday 11th. Register at the Leigh Sports Village website for free entry to all of these fixtures.


9th: The Third Round of the FA Cup takes place. £10 Adult tickets are available at
West Bromwich Albion (against Bristol City) and Huddersfield Town (against Reading) with reduced prices in operation at most other clubs.

Barnsley take on Fleetwood on the same day in the Northern Area Final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with all tickets at Oakwell reduced to £5 if purchased before the day of the game.

Chelmsford City host Weston Super Mare in National League South and, in association with the Supporters Club the game has been designated as a ‘Pay What You Want’ fixture according to the calendar on the club website, although I've not seen anything more about it as yet.

14th: Millwall host Oxford United in the first leg of their JPT Area Final. Admission to the New Den is priced at £10 Adults and £5 for Over-60's and Under-16's.

16th: Wolverhampton Wanderers have a half-price ticket offer for their home match against Cardiff City which means Adult prices start from £12 and Under-12’s admission will be £2.50 in the Family Area.

And Hitchin Town have designated the game against Frome as 'Pay What You Want' with any money generated above the club's budget going into the newly-launched Floodlight Fund at Top Field.

Sunday 27 December 2015

Hitchin Town FC

A welcome return to the pages of Affordable Football for Hitchin Town after their battle to keep playing at the Top Field ground featured heavily last season.

Although the club are looking into the possibility of a new stadium, their stated wish is to remain at Top Field and a Floodlight Fund is to be launched at the game against Frome Town on Saturday 16 January to start the process of raising enough funds to match a grant from the Football Stadium Improvement Fund and replace the 50-year-old floodlights currently in use.

For that reason, and to encourage more people to come along and see what the club is all about (building on the community involvement that was to the fore in the fight to stay at Top Field), the Frome fixture will be 'Pay What You Want' at the gate with all money raised above the budgeted figure going into the Floodlight Fund.

Saturday 26 December 2015

January Sale at Wolverhampton Wanderers


Attendances over the festive period tend to take care of themselves, almost regardless of league position, but matches in January can sometimes need a bit of selling and many clubs do try out offers during this period.
 
Molineux is the venue for a Championship clash between Wolves and Cardiff City on Saturday 16th January and the Old Gold are looking to generate some early interest in the fixture.
 
All tickets for the game are half-price which means Adult prices start from £12 and Under-12’s admission will be £2.50 in the Family Area.
 

Tuesday 22 December 2015

Merry Christmas!

A very merry Christmas to anyone who has ever read the blog or seen us on Twitter.

Enjoy the day itself and, more importantly, enjoy your football on Boxing Day whatever level the fixture is that you are attending.

The calls for a winter break are never going to go away, certainly at the top level, but one of the joys of the game in the UK is the sheer depth and breadth of it.

So, from the Highland League to the Western League and all points in between, let’s hope it’s Game On!

Sunday 20 December 2015

Ilkeston FC, Swindon Supermarine, Stenhousemuir FC

As 2015 draws to a close, a look back at some of the clubs we have featured on Affordable Football over the course of the year in relation to offers that are ongoing throughout the 2015/16 season.

Ilkeston FC took the decision back in the summer to reduce admission prices to the minimum allowed by their respective league, the Evo-Stik Northern Premier.

That means entrance to the New Manor Ground is priced at £6 Adults, £4 Concessions and free for children with the next home game being the visit of Matlock Town on 28th December.

Swindon Supermarine also reduced matchday prices ahead of the season after a sponsorship deal with the Brunel Shopping Centre.

Admission at the Webbswood Stadium is priced at £5 Adults, £3 Concessions and free for Under-11's.

Mangotsfield United are the next visitors in the Southern League Division One South & West, on 2nd January.

Stenhousemuir made an offer of reduced price entry to the season ticket holders of the other nine SPFL League One clubs when they visit Ochilview.

The £10 price is equivalent to the price that home supporters pay for each game through their season ticket and is an attempt to generate bigger crowds, a louder atmosphere and a better deal for all fans, something the club say 'is what Scottish football needs'.

The Warriors host Stranraer on Boxing Day.


Saturday 19 December 2015

Harrogate Town AFC

Harrogate Town threw open their doors of the CNG Stadium for their National League North game at home to Brackley Town on Saturday afternoon and a superb crowd of 1,534 saw a late winner for the home side to cap an enjoyable day.
 
The club’s ‘Festival of Football’ continues tomorrow (Sunday) with Harrogate Town Ladies Day which includes a free match at 12pm between West Riding Combination U-18’s and Sporting Recruitment U-18’s and a Q & A with Liverpool Ladies skipper and England international Gemma Bonner.

Thursday 17 December 2015

One More Match Before Christmas

Time for just one more?

On Friday night there is free football at Derby County's iPro Stadium where the Rams entertain in the FA Youth Cup. Kick-off is at 7pm.

Braintree Town host Wrexham in the National League and admission to the 7:45pm kick-off has been reduced to £10 Adults and £5 Concessions. Details of a free season ticket offer for Under-18's is also on the club website.

On Saturday, it is 'Kids for a Quid' at West Bromwich Albion against Bournemouth in the Premier League and £10 Adults, £1 Children for Coventry City's home clash with Oldham Athletic in League One.

Banbury United have 'Football for a Fiver' as Cinderford Town visit the Spencer Stadium in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West (Under-16's free) and it is 'Pay What You Want' at Great Yarmouth Town when they host Halstead Town at the Wellesley Recreation Ground.

A special mention to Harrogate Town AFC who are offering free admission to all for their National League North game against Brackley Town, part of a Festival of Football weekend at the club with a free Ladies match taking place at 12pm on Sunday.

On Monday night there is free football at Carrow Road (7pm) where Norwich City Under-21's meet Liverpool and on Tuesday 22nd, Macclesfield Town play a re-arranged FA Trophy tie against Ashton United at 7:45pm. Prices have been reduced to £5 Adults, £3 Over-65’s and £1 for Under-18’s and Students.

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Football For A Fiver: Barnsley FC


The idea for this blog came out of Coventry City’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy run of the 2012/13 season when the Sky Blues offered £5 tickets for their home ties and attracted over 30,000 to the Ricoh Arena for the Northern Area Final against Crewe Alexandra (we’ll gloss over the result).
 
So it is good to see that Barnsley, who won their Area semi-final at Wigan Athletic recently in a game where all tickets had been reduced to £5, are doing the same for the first leg of the final against Fleetwood Town.
 
All tickets, in all areas of the ground, are a fiver if purchased in advance (£10 on the day) and with the match scheduled for a Saturday (9th January at 3pm) there should be a cracking atmosphere at Oakwell.
 

Tuesday 15 December 2015

FA WSL Season Tickets

FA Women’s Super League Clubs are starting to sell season tickets for the 2016 campaign with two early bird offers that I have seen so far at Notts County Ladies and the current champions Chelsea.
 
Both offer entry to all home WSL matches (eight in 2016 as the top league expands to nine teams) and any FA Cup and Continental Tyres Cup home games as well.
 
At Notts County, buy before 2nd January for prices of £40 Adults, £20 Concessions and £100 for a family while at Chelsea, purchase before the end of January and it is just £25 Adults and £10 Concessions.
 
Other clubs should be up and running soon with their season tickets and the main FA WSL page has links to each individual website and, when the season starts, a match centre with good information about tickets on a game-by-game basis.


Sunday 13 December 2015

This Week's Affordable Action

On Monday evening at 7pm, Manchester United Under-21's take on Leicester City at Leigh Sports Village. As always there is free entry to this one if you register at the LSV website.

Admission has been reduced for Tuesday night's Staffordshire Senior Cup tie between Leek Town and Port Vale. Adults will pay £5 and Concessions £3 for the quarter-final, which kicks off at 7:45pm.

On the same night, Hartlepool United host Salford City in an FA Cup 2nd Round replay. Tickets have been priced at £10 Adults and £5 Concessions while season ticket holders who attended the first fixture can claim a free ticket for the replay.

And Truro City replay their fixture against Hemel Hempstead Town, the original game having been abandoned for reasons outside of the club's control in mid-November. Tuesday's game will be free admission to all.

Derby County host West Ham United in the FA Youth Cup at the iPro Stadium on Friday, 7pm and there is free entry to all supporters.

And on Saturday, a number of clubs have offers in place to keep people away from the shops!

Coventry City's League One clash with Oldham Athletic is priced at £10 Adults and £1 for Under-16's.

It is 'Pay What You Want' at Great Yarmouth Town when they host Halstead Town at the Wellesley Recreation Ground and Football for a Fiver at Banbury United (Under-16's free when accompanied and a host of activities taking place) for the visit of Cinderford Town.

West Bromwich Albion (whose FA Cup tie against Bristol City has been priced at £10 Adults and £5 Juniors) are running a 'Kids for a Quid' deal when they host Bournemouth.

Saturday 12 December 2015

Belated Mentions To Spartans FC and Cirencester Town

Two belated mentions from games that have already taken place.
 
Spartans FC ran their ‘Donate At The Gate’ initiative for the fourth successive year at today’s home match against Selkirk in the Ferrari Packaging Lowland League with supporters able to claim free admission with a donation to the Academy’s Charity Foundation Food Bank Appeal.
 
Spartans are next at home on Saturday 2nd January, a local derby against Edinburgh City
 
And Cirencester Town FC offered free admission to the midweek game against Kettering with 225 people coming through the gate and raising over £1,200 for Macmillan Cancer Care.
 
They are in home action again this coming Tuesday when Paulton Rovers are the visitors to the Centurion Stadium in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.
 
 

Friday 11 December 2015

Stourbridge FC

An exciting season already for Stourbridge, having made it to the Second Round of the FA Cup and hosted the BBC’s ‘Football Focus’ programme live from their ground last week.

Attention now turns to the possibility of promotion from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division with the cup run having left the Glassboys with games in hand on most of the teams around them.


The home fixture against Ramsbottom United on 2nd January has been designated as the club’s Annual Community Day and prices for this have been reduced to £5 Adults, £3 Seniors/16-18 Year-Olds and free for Under-16’s when accompanied by an adult.

http://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/merry-christmas-and-thank-you-1538401.html

Thursday 10 December 2015

Football For A Fiver At Banbury United

A very busy pre-Christmas afternoon is planned at Banbury United for Saturday 19th December.

That is when the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West clash with current leaders Cinderford Town takes place and all Adult tickets will cost just £5 for the 3pm kick-off.

Under-16's can get into the Spencer Stadium for free when accompanied and a number of other activities will be taking place on the day including the chance to meet mascot Rory the Lion and an Xmas raffle.

http://www.banburyunitedfc.co.uk/news/festive-offer-football-for-a-fiver-1537236.html

Five FA Trophy Matches For The Weekend

The First Round Proper of the FA Trophy takes places and, similarly to the Third Round of the FA Cup, a number of the bigger clubs at this stage of the competition are offering reduced prices for their matches.

Aldershot Town host Eastleigh in an all-National League game and prices have been reduced to £12 Adults, Concessions and Juniors. Keep hold of your ticket stub if you go and you will get the same prices for Aldershot’s home league game the following Saturday against Guiseley.
AFC Telford United take on Chester FC with prices reduced to £9 Adults, £5 Concessions and £2 Under-16’s for this one. An added attraction (certainly for me) is the presence of Somersby Blackberry & Cranberry Cider in the Learning Centre Bar and the stadium bars at the ground.
Grimsby Town welcome Solihull Moors to Blundell Park and have reduced prices to £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and £1 for Under-14’s
And it is Tranmere Rovers at home to Wrexham at Prenton Park with tickets priced at £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and £1 for Under-17’s.
On Sunday, Torquay United host FA Cup giantkiller Chesham United. The Gulls have moved the fixture and reduced prices in a bid to attract a decent crowd. Prices are £10 Adults, £5 for Concessions and Under-18’s and Under-12’s can attend for free with a paying adult.

Wednesday 9 December 2015

Northwood FC

Evo-Stik Southern Division One club Northwood featured in this week’s edition of the Non League Paper with secretary and treasurer Alan Evans talking about their offer of £30 season tickets.

Although the initiative was announced just before the start of the current season, Mr Evans said: “We’re quite pleased with the results. We are up to nearly 100 season ticket holders now. Last season we had ten so it’s a much improved position for us to build on."

With a newly-refurbished clubhouse to help tempt people away from live football on TV in their own homes, he added: "If those 100 come just every other game it would be a big boost for the club."

Northwood host St Ives Town at Chestnut Avenue this coming Saturday (12th December).

http://www.northwoodfc.com/

Monday 7 December 2015

Aldershot Town, Hartlepool United

Two home games coming up for Aldershot Town at the EBB Stadium, starting with the FA Trophy tie against Eastleigh this coming Saturday.

Admission has been reduced for the all-National League tie to £12 Adults, £10 Concessions and £4 Juniors and anyone attending will get the same prices for the league game against Guiseley the following Saturday.

Under-11’s admission remains free with a paying adult.

Hartlepool United, meanwhile, will attempt to see off Salford City at the second attempt when they replay their FA Cup tie on Tuesday 15 December at 7:45pm

Ticket prices have been reduced to £10 Adults and £5 Concessions (Over-60, Under-16 and Student) while Season Ticket Holders who travelled to the first game will be given a complimentary ticket for the replay on production of their stub.



Sunday 6 December 2015

Start The Week With A Match

Four fixtures for Monday night which may be of interest.

Ryman League North club Barkingside FC host Thamesmead Town at Cricklefields and the 7:45pm kick-off is 'Pay What You Want' for spectators.

This follows a crowd of 130 coming through the gates when Barkingside tried the initiative for Non League Day against Maldon & Tiptree.

Grimsby Town look to cause an FA Cup upset when they host Shrewsbury Town in the Second Round. Under-14's can get in for £1 with a paying adult while early-bird ticket prices are available until 6pm on the day of the match.

Hull City Under-21's are in action at the KC Stadium as they host Leeds United in a 7pm kick-off. This one is free for Season Card holders while general admission is £4 and £2.

And there is free entry to Leigh Sports Village for the Premier League Under-21 clash between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, also a 7pm kick-off.

Premier League Update: Everton

Just a line to add to the recent article on the Premier League, Everton and Newcastle have a reciprocal pricing deal in place as well which means that Toffees supporters’ travelling to St James’ Park on Boxing Day will pay £25 Adults (saving £11), £10 Over-65’s and Students and £5 Under-18’s.

Thursday 3 December 2015

Ten For December

There's a lot going this month and lots of clubs are making efforts in various ways to get people through the gates.

These are just a taster, follow us on Twitter for more updates.

Pay What You Want: At Barkingside FC against Thamesmead Town on Monday 7th December and also at Great Yarmouth Town when they host Halstead Town at the Wellesley Recreation Ground on Saturday 19th.

Free Entry: To two games that were abandoned for different reasons recently. Buxton FC meet Bradford Park Avenue in the FA Trophy on Tuesday 8th December after bad weather meant the original tie could not be finished. Meanwhile, Truro City take on Hemel Hempstead Town on Tuesday 15th for the second time following a power failure in the first game

Reduced Prices: For Coventry City's League One fixture against Oldham Athletic at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday 19th December with tickets priced at £10 for Adults  and Kids for a Quid. For Wigan Athletic's JPT tie with Barnsley, this Saturday, the 5th where all Adult tickets are £5. And for the FA Trophy clash between Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham at Prenton Park on Saturday 12th when admission is priced at £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and £1 for Under-17's.

Kids For A Quid: At Kidderminster Harriers this Saturday (5th) against Gateshead and season ticket holders can also bring a friend for £10 (£5 Concessions) to this National League clash. In the Premier League at West Bromwich Albion when they host Bournemouth on Saturday 19th and in the Championship as Charlton Athletic take on Wolves on Monday 28th.

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Southampton, Watford, West Brom: A Dip Into The Premier League

The Premier League doesn’t feature too often on these pages, mainly because game-by-game offers don’t tend to happen too much at that level of the game.

But there are good things happening, particularly with regards to away supporters and either the reciprocal deals that clubs are doing between themselves or the methods used to make the most of the money clubs receive to subsidise away travel and/or tickets.

Southampton, for example, are using the money they have received to subsidise two away trips in five days during the busy festive period so tickets for the matches at West Ham United and Norwich City after Christmas are reduced by 50% across all categories and will cost £22.50 for Adults.

A reciprocal deal between Watford and Sunderland means that Hornets supporters travelling to the Stadium of Light on Saturday 12 December will pay £20 Adults and £10 Over-65’s and Under-16’s. Watford have also reduced the price of official coach travel to the game to just £1.

And a word for West Brom, where the pre-Christmas home fixture against Bournemouth is ‘Kids for a Quid’ for Under-17’s while Adults will pay Category B prices which, at the Hawthorns, means £27 or £25.

Monday 30 November 2015

Football For A Fiver At Wigan Athletic This Saturday

With both sides having been knocked out of the FA Cup at the 1st Round stage, Wigan Athletic and Barnsley have scheduled their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area Semi-Final for this coming Saturday, 5th December at 3pm.

The winners will face either Fleetwood or Morecambe in the Area Final (terrace tickets available for that one at £10 Adults) and, to encourage a healthy crowd, the Latics have priced tickets for this weekend at just £5 Adults and £1 Juniors.

http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/wigan-athletic-v-barnsley-johnstones-paint-trophy-tickets-on-sale-2810524.aspx

In League One, meanwhile, Wigan host Sheffield United on Boxing Day and that fixture is also well-priced at £15 for Adults, £10 for Over-65's and £5 for Under-18's.


Saturday 28 November 2015

Free Football At Derby County On Sunday

An excellent result at Hull City on Friday night sent Derby County to the top of the Championship and Rams fans who enjoyed the start of their weekends in good style can finish them with free football at the iPro Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.

Derby Under-21's take on Wolverhampton Wanderers, the climax to a Family Funday with plenty of activities going on to make it a good afternoon out.

http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/watch-derby-countys-under-21s-at-the-ipro-stadium-on-sunday-for-free-2820937.aspx

Friday 27 November 2015

Student Special At St Mirren

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about a student ticket offer at Partick Thistle and a similar promotion is in place at St Mirren for their Championship clash with Queen of the South on Saturday 5th December at 3pm.

Students currently attending University of West Scotland or West College Scotland can attend the game for just £2 if they e-mail the club in advance with a picture of their valid matriculation card or pop into the ticket office.

http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/?page_id=255

Great Yarmouth Town FC

Members of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League and currently towards the top of the 1st Division, Great Yarmouth Town FC play their home matches at the Wellesley Recreation Ground where a beautiful grandstand dating from 1897 dominates the setting.

It's a ground I always look in on when I'm in the town on holiday although my last few visits haven't coincided with a match.

The Bloaters will be hosting Halstead Town on Saturday 19th December and have designated the game as a 'Pay What You Want' fixture in a bid to get a healthy pre-Christmas crowd through the gates.


Tuesday 24 November 2015

Pay What You Want At Hendon FC

A great way to start 2016 at Hendon FC as the Greens take on Wingate & Finchley in a Ryman League local derby on 2nd January.

For the second season in a row this fixture has been designated as a 'Pay What You Want' game with donations welcome when you come through the turnstiles.

Can't make it to the Earlsmead Stadium? Then you can be a virtual spectator by making a donation online and receiving an e-mailed edition of the matchday programme.


http://www.hendonfc.net/Events?page=PayWhatYouWant2015

Truro City FC

There are always difficult decisions to be made when a game, especially at Non-League level, is abandoned.

Costs still have to be met and a balance needs to be struck between compensating supporters and protecting precious budgets.

That is a situation that is perhaps magnified at Truro City FC given their geographical location and the half-time abandonment of the National League South game against Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday 21 November due to a floodlight failure (outside of the club's control) posed an unwelcome problem.

The game is being replayed on Tuesday 15 December (7:45pm) which is clearly not ideal for the visitors but, hoping to turn a negative into a positive, Truro have received dispensation for admission to the replayed fixture to be free of charge.

The hope is that the move will attract a few more people than normal to venture out in Cornwall that night and watch the region's top club in terms of league position while those Hemel Hempstead fans who make the journey will be given free hospitality through the Truro City Supporters Club.

http://www.trurocityfc.net/news/truro-city-vs-hemel-hempstead-town--update-1529127.html

Sunday 22 November 2015

Norwich City Versus Manchester United: Free On Monday Night

Norwich City's successful staging of high-profile Under-21 fixtures at Carrow Road continues this Monday when supporters can watch the game against Manchester United, kick-off 7pm, for free.

6,684 came through the turnstiles for the last such fixture against Tottenham recently and the Canaries will also have their Family Fanzone, in place for weekend Premier League matches, set up for this game as well.

Friday 20 November 2015

Christmas Ticket Deals

I'll update this as we get closer to Christmas but a number of clubs are offering ticket package deals to either cover a group of games around the festive period or the remainder of the season as a whole.

A few examples that I have come across.

A four-match ticket at Raith Rovers FC offers supporters the chance to watch four matches from a list of six home fixtures between Boxing Day and early March. Adult tickets cost £50 (a £22 saving) with Over-65's and Under-16's paying £25 (saving £11).


Lincoln City's Christmas Cracker is for three match tickets for any home league game between Boxing Day and the end of the season and is available for £45 Adults, £33 Concessions, £15 Students and Juniors.

The 'Fleet Festive Five' at Ebbsfleet United is a five-game ticket for any quintet of league matches. It costs £44 for Adults (saving £11), £36 Concessions (saving £9) and £20 for Youths (saving £5).

And Shrewsbury Town supporters can save £10 by purchasing tickets for the fixtures at home to Swindon Town (19 December), Fleetwood Town (26 December) and Oldham Athletic (9 January) at the same time.


Tuesday 17 November 2015

Student Super Saturday At Partick Thistle FC

Although they are currently only one place off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, these are positive times for Partick Thistle FC with the club recently announcing 'new shareholder investment' and the elimination of £1.5m of debts.

Announcing the news, chairman David Beattie said: "This deal is the result of a huge amount of work behind the scenes at Firhill and feels like the ultimate reward for a sustained period of careful financial planning."

The ongoing battle to boost the fan base continues, meanwhile, after a slight fall in attendances last season.

The Jags host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Firhill this coming Saturday (21 November, 3pm) and are reaching out to the estimated 70,000 students enrolled in Higher Education in Glasgow with free entrance to the game available if they email the club beforehand.

For full details of how to get a ticket, go to the official PTFC website.

Free Football Coming Up At Leigh Sports Village

The home of both Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers for the majority of their Under-21 fixtures, Leigh Sports Village always offers free admission for these games and has some attractive matches coming up before Christmas.

Manchester United take on Liverpool on Monday 30 November and Leicester City on Monday 14 December, both at 7pm before the derby against City on Tuesday 22 December which has a 7:45pm kick-off.


United's U-19's also take on PSV Eindhoven at 2pm on Wednesday 25 November in the UEFA Youth League.

Blackburn, meanwhile, take on Newcastle United on Monday 7 December at 7pm.


Register for free tickets at http://www.leighsportsvillage.co.uk/

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.


Sunday 15 November 2015

Half Season Tickets & Reduced Admission At Accrington Stanley

Enjoying their best start to a Football League season since the 1950's and having recently secured new investment from local businessman Andy Holt to clear £1.2m of debt, Accrington Stanley are looking to the future and hoping to attract more supporters to the Wham Stadium in the New Year.

Half season tickets are on offer for £130 Adults and £90 for Over-65's and Under-16's which allow admission to all league matches between January and May and also give free admission to the Boxing Day clash with Carlisle United.

And, after a review of all things connected with the club following the recent takeover deal, admission prices will be reduced from January to £15 Adults, £10 Over-65's and Under-16's while Under-12's will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

http://accringtonstanley.co.uk/2015/11/half-season-tickets/

Thursday 12 November 2015

Christmas Cracker At Coventry City

Ricoh Arena, Coventry

My own club have featured on the pages of Affordable Football over the past six months or so with a reduction in season ticket prices and a simple match day pricing structure which means nobody coming to the Ricoh Arena pays more than £20 for their ticket.


That, and the positivity generated by Tony Mowbray's attacking young side, have seen a slow increase in attendances and a slight rebuilding of the bridges between club and fans after the bitterness of the move to Northampton.


For the home game against Oldham Athletic on Saturday 19 December, on a day when crowds can drop against the competing attractions of Christmas shopping, the Sky Blues have gone further and cut prices to £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and just for £1 for Juniors.


http://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/tickets-coventry-city-oldham-athletic-christmas-cracker-2793931.aspx

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Brighton Aim For Women's League Attendance Record

Brighton & Hove Albion Women will make their debut appearance at the Amex Stadium on Sunday 6th December when they face Charlton Athletic in the FA Premier League Southern Division.

And the Seagulls are aiming to break the attendance record for a domestic women's league fixture which currently stands at 3,180 for Manchester City's game against Notts County last month and which followed on from a successful World Cup for England's Women.

Both clubs have ambitions to make it into the Women's Super League and an entertaining game should be in prospect.

BHAFC season-ticket holders can attend for free, Adult tickets are priced at £4, Under-18's £2 and a family of two Adults and two Under-18's can watch for £10.


http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/chairmans-challenge-for-womens-fixture-at-the-amex-2791980.aspx

Monday 9 November 2015

Free Family Day At Folkestone Invicta

Formed in 1936, Folkestone Invicta are currently flying high in the Ryman League South with Saturday's 5-2 victory against Guernsey sending them six points clear at the top.

They will host their second free family day at the Fullicks Stadium on Saturday 21 November.

The first such event, for the game against Chipstead in April, attracted over 1,000 thr
ough the gate and a similar crowd is hoped for this time around when Peacehaven & Telscombe are the visitors.

Entry is free with a host of family activities taking place and the club are asking supporters to make donations to Motor Neurone Disease.


http://www.isthmian.co.uk/charity-call-for-crowd-funders-27423

Sunday 8 November 2015

International Break, International Action

A look at some of the international action over the next week or so, starting with England whose Under-17's are up against Germany at Rotherham's New York Stadium on Friday 20th at 7:30pm with tickets priced at £3 Adults and £1.50 for Children/OAP's.

England Under-19's take on Japan at 3pm on Sunday 15th.

Adam Armstrong, currently setting League One alight with the mighty Sky Blues, is part of the England U-19 squad and it has been interesting to see this season how often he has been away with this group.


Clearly that can cause concerns for his parent club Newcastle (and Coventry's promotion bid from a selfish point of view) but it does point to a more consistent transition through the age groups of the England set-up. Perhaps Armstrong will be showing his pace and finishing ability on the pitches of Qatar in 2022?


Tickets for the game at Manchester City's Academy Stadium are priced at £3 Adults and £1 Concessions.


Gareth Southgate's Under-21's have a Euro Qualifier against Switzerland at the Amex in Brighton on Monday 16th, 5:45pm. Tickets are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions (U-18's, Over-65's and Students) with a Family Ticket also available at £20.


Chris Coleman's senior team are clearly the Welsh headliners at the moment but the country's Under-21's are unbeaten in Euro qualifying at present and are in action twice over the next week or so.


They take on Armenia at the home of Bangor City FC at 2pm on Friday 13th and are up against Romania at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground on Tuesday 17th at 6pm.


Admission for both games is priced at £5 Adults and £2 Concessions.


St Mirren Park hosts Scotland Under-21's against Ukraine on Friday 13th at 5:45pm. Tickets for the Euro qualifier are priced at £5 Adults and £2 Under-16's with an offer for youth groups also in place.


Thursday 5 November 2015

Scottish Women's Cup Final This Sunday

This season, Hibernian Ladies have provided the most sustained challenge to Glasgow City's dominance of Scottish Women's football for some time and, although City prevailed in the race for the league title and beat Hibs in the League Cup Final, both teams will be playing in the Champions League next season.

They meet in the campaign finale, the Scottish Cup Final, at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh, this Sunday (8th November, 2pm) with admission priced at £5 Adults and £2 Concessions.

 
The match is also live on BBC Alba.

Monday 2 November 2015

Six For Saturday: FA Cup 1st Round

A long weekend of FA Cup 1st Round ties kicks off on Friday night when Salford City host Notts County (meaning the Evo-Stik Northern Premier club will be on prime time BBC One two nights running with the entertaining documentary about their famous owners concluding on Thursday) and ends in the same area on Monday when FC United host Chesterfield.

Most League One and Two clubs who have been drawn at home have reduced their prices for the weekend and here's six games for Saturday which could be worth a visit.


Hartlepool United take on Cheltenham and tickets are priced at £10 Adults and £5 Concessions.

Eastleigh are the visitors to Gresty Road and Crewe Alexandra have reduced prices to £10 Adults, £6 Senior Citizens and £3 for 16 and Under.

Doncaster Rovers will look to avoid an upset when Stalybridge Celtic come to the Keepmoat Stadium with prices set at £10 Adults, £5 Seniors and 17-21's and £1 for Under-16's.

Scunthorpe United mark #SaveOurSteel day when they entertain Southend United and Adult tickets are priced at £10 (standing) for Adults, £5 Concessions and £2 for Under-16's.

Sheffield United host Worcester City, conquerors of my own Sky Blues at the same stage last season, with admission for Non-Season Ticket holders priced at £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and £1 Under-18's.

And a mention to Plymouth Argyle where serving Armed Services personnel, on production of their ID, can watch the Carlisle United game for £10 and bring a guest at the same price.

Saturday 31 October 2015

Dagenham & Redbridge FC

Always happy to mention The Daggers, battling the odds to stay in the Football League and be a part of their local community with initiatives like the Daggers Against Racism Day.

There are three opportunities to get down to the Chigwell Construction Stadium for a reduced price in the next week or so. 

First up there is an Essex Senior Cup tie against Basildon United on Tuesday 3rd, obviously a game where first-teamers are not likely to feature heavily but prices will be £6 Adults and £3 Concessions. 

Then it is the FA Cup 1st Round with an all-League Two tie against Morecambe on Saturday 7th at 3pm. Prices for this one are £10 (£12 seating) Adults, £6 (£8) Concessions and £1 for 16 and Under when purchased in advance with an adult ticket. 

Things are rounded off with a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against Oxford United on Wednesday 11th at 7:45pm. Prices for this one are £10 (£12 seating) Adults, £6 (£8) Concessions and £1 for 16 and Under when purchased in advance with an adult ticket.

Friday 30 October 2015

November's Affordable Football

A bumper crop with the FA Cup 1st Round proper, the Women's Champions League, international matches and plenty more going on all around the country.

Starting on Sunday 1st when Rotherham United host the 2015 Continental Tyres Cup final between Arsenal and Notts County.

Tickets for the 3pm kick-off are priced at £5 Adults and £2.50 Concessions. A £10 Family ticket is available in person and over the telephone while group bookings of 15 or more can qualify for a reduced rate.

Manchester United Under-19's are in action at Leigh Sports Village with free entry when you register at the LSV website for the game on Tuesday 3rd against CSKA Moscow at 2pm in the UEFA Youth League.

Prices have been reduced for Birmingham City's Championship game at home to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday 3rd with Adult tickets available from £10 and Children from £5.

The 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup takes place over the weekend of 6,7 and 8 November and there should be plenty of reduced prices in operation, certainly where League One and Two clubs have been drawn at home.

Crewe Alexandra's tie against Eastleigh is a maximum £10 for Adults while prices start from £10 Aduls and £2 Under-16's at Scunthorpe United where the home game against Southend United is part of Save Our Steel day at Glanford Park.

FC United of Manchester, meanwhile, with the agreement of opponents Chesterfield and the FA, will charge their usual matchday price of £9 on Monday 9th at 7:45pm rather than the competition minimum of £10. Concessions are £5 and Under-18's £2.

Article continues below...



Staines Town host Chelsea Ladies on Wednesday 11th as they take on Wolfsburg in the UEFA Women's Champions League. Admission to the 7pm kick-off is £5 Adults, £3 Juniors/Seniors and free for Chelsea FC season ticket holders.

Worksop Town's 'Pay What You Want' local derby against Retford United has been rearranged for the 25th when a bucket collection will also take place for the 'Bassetlaw Hospital Bereavement Room for Parents'. A minimum entry price of £1 will be in operation.

On the international front, England's Women take on Bosnia & Herzegovina at Bristol City's Ashton Gate (Sunday 29th at 3:30pm with tickets priced at £5 Adults and £2.50 for Seniors and Under-22's) while the Men's Under-21's host Switzerland at the Amex Stadium in Brighton (Monday 16th at 5:45pm with prices £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and £20 for a Family of 2 Adults and 2 Children).

Scotland Under-21's are in action at St Mirren against Ukraine on Friday 13th at 5:45pm. Tickets are £5 Adults and £2 Children with an offer for groups also available.

Thursday 29 October 2015

Scunthorpe United, The FA Cup & #SaveOurSteel

Clearly a club such as Scunthorpe United, known as 'The Iron' and with such strong links to the steel industry, could not ignore the recent news about major job losses in the town but it pleasing (to this observer at least) that they are putting a major effort into publicising the 'Save Our Steel' campaign.

Next Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Southend United has been dedicated both to the campaign and to those affected by the news and the club are open to any ideas that come from supporters to help with this.

http://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/article/southend-cup-game-is-save-our-steel-day-2769944.aspx?

Normal matchday prices have been reduced to £10 (£12 seating) for Adults, £5 (£6) Concessions and £2 for Under-16's.


Saturday 24 October 2015

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round: Altrincham FC

A hard-fought FA Cup tie at Moss Lane (The J. Davidson Stadium) in Altrincham on Saturday afternoon went the home side's way by a single goal against their Conference rivals Chester FC.

To the victor the spoils of a £12,500 payment from the prize fund and a place in Monday evening's live televised 1st Round draw.

League One and Two clubs come in at this stage and many of those drawn at home are likely to offer some kind of reduced prices over the weekend of 7/8 November.

Friday 23 October 2015

Free Football At The Madejski On Monday

Another one for half-term with free football at the Madejski Stadium on Monday night when Reading Under-21's host Norwich City.

Prior to the game there will also be a spooky Halloween signing session with some Royals' stars in the club shop at 5:30pm.

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/reading-norwich-city-u21-madejski-stadium-free-entry-2760408.aspx

Thursday 22 October 2015

Aberystwyth Town & Cefn Druids

Two quick mentions for Friday night football in Wales tomorrow evening.

Aberystwyth Town host Premier League champions TNS in an eagerly-awaited encounter at Park Avenue (7:45pm) and the club have designated the game as their annual Student Promotion Night.

Having a renowned University in a relatively small town makes it more than worthwhile for the local football club to tempt students in and I know that Aberystwyth do lots of work in fresher's week to market the club.

For the TNS game, students can watch for just £2 and will also get a free hot dog into the bargain!

http://www.atfc.org.uk/home/student-night-showcases-titanic-top-three-tns-tussle-on-Friday

Cefn Druids AFC are the oldest football club in Wales according to their website and are currently sitting at the top of the Huws Gray Alliance League as they bid to return to the Welsh Premier League.

Guilsfield are the visitors to The Rock on Friday night at 7:45pm and admission prices have been reduced by £1 to £5 and £3 respectively with children's entry remaining at £1.

http://www.cefndruidsafc.co.uk/2015/10/21/reduced-prices-and-social-club-offers-on-friday/

Affordable Football On Twitter/Half-Term Footy

Our Twitter address is @AffordableFooty and it is where I try and update all of the latest offers that I come across.

This week, for instance, there is news of reduced prices on Friday night at Cefn Druids as they take on Guilsfield and FA Cup matches at Tranmere Rovers and Gateshead where Adult tickets this Saturday will be just £10.


Meanwhile, and particularly relevant to me for the first time ever as my little lad will be having his first half-term break, is that school's out in many parts of the country.


There is free entry to Aldershot's EBB Stadium on Monday 26th October as Chelsea host Manchester City in a Premier League Under-21 clash which kicks off at 5:30pm.


Later in the week, on Friday 30th, Chelsea U-21's take on Tottenham with admission £3 Adults and £1 Concessions.


Not a match but a good offer nonetheless, Barnsley FC are offering free guided tours of Oakwell on Wednesday 28th to supporters under 16 who are accompanied by an adult.

These must be booked in advance with details on the club website.


Look out also for open training sessions or autograph signing days at your local club.

Sunday 18 October 2015

Start November With A Bang: Manchester United, Birmingham City And More

The clocks may have gone back by then and the nights may be drawing in but there are plenty of opportunities to get your football fix in the opening week of November.

Starting on Sunday 1st when Rotherham United host the 2015 Continental Tyres Cup final between Arsenal and Notts County.


Tickets for the 3pm kick-off are priced at £5 Adults and £2.50 Concessions. A £10 Family ticket is available in person and over the telephone while group bookings of 15 or more can qualify for a reduced rate.

There are two chances to watch Manchester United in action at Leigh Sports Village with free entry when you register at the LSV website.


On Monday 2nd at 7pm the Reds Under-21's take on Reading while the following day, Tuesday 3rd, the U-19's meet CSKA Moscow at 2pm in the UEFA Youth League.

Prices have been reduced for Birmingham City's Championship game at home to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday 3rd with Adult tickets available from £10 and Children from £5.

Worksop Town host neighbours Retford United on Wednesday 4th November and the local derby can be watched for a minimum of £1 as the Tigers are offering 'Pay What You Want' admission for the game at Sandy Lane.

A bucket collection will also be held at the Northern Counties East Premier League game in aid of the ‘The Bassetlaw Hospital Bereavement Room For Parents’.

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.


Thursday 15 October 2015

WSL2 Title To Be Decided This Sunday

Both Reading Ladies and Doncaster Rovers Belles have been celebrating promotion to Women's Super League 1 in the past week or so but the WSL2 title remains up for grabs and will be decided this Sunday when the final matches of the season take place.

The Royals are in pole position as they lead the Belles on goal difference (45 to 38) and can seal top spot with victory away to Aston Villa.

It's a 2pm kick-off at Sutton Coldfield Town with admission just £3 Adults and £1 Under-16's and Over-65's.

And the Belles start at the same time at home to Millwall Lionesses with tickets at the Keepmoat Stadium priced at £5 Adults and £1 Concessions.

There are also final-day games at Everton, Watford and Yeovil.

http://www.fawsl.com/matches.html

Sunday 11 October 2015

This Week's Affordable Football

Plenty of chances to catch a match this coming week.

Monday 12: Stadium of Light action for Sunderland's Under-21's as they take on Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Premier League International Cup. Kick-off is at 7pm and admission is priced at £3 Adults and £1 for Over-65's and Under-16's.


Tuesday 13th: The Ricoh Arena hosts England Under-21's against Kazakhstan in a European Championship qualifier. Kick-off is at 5:45pm and admission is £10 for Adults and £5 Concessions.

Wednesday 14th: Liverpool Ladies play the second leg of their UEFA Women's Champions League clash with Brescia at the Halton Stadium in Widnes. Kick-off is at 6:30pm and admission is £5 Adults and £2.50 for Under-16's and Concessions.

Thursday 15th: Norwich City's popular initiative offering free entry to Under-21 fixtures at Carrow Road continues with a 7:45pm kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur, a game that attracted over 10,000 through the turnstiles last season.

Saturday 17th: As part of their 140 year celebrations there is a family day at Royston Town FC when they host Fleet Town in the Evo-Stik Southern League. Admission prices have been reduced to £4 Adults, £2 Concessions and free for Juniors.

Sunday 18th: The final day of the WSL2 season takes place with 2pm kick-offs around the country. Promoted Reading finish their campaign at Aston Villa with admission to the Sutton Coldfield ground costing just £3 for Adults and £1 for Under-16's and Over-65's.

Thursday 8 October 2015

Enjoy Non League Day

Non League Day takes place this Saturday, 10th October, with clubs up and down the country having gone the extra mile to attract more supporters through their gates during the international break which means there are no Premier League or Championship games.

Free entry, 'Pay What You Want', reduced prices for season ticket holders of other clubs, even free eggs. There really is plenty going on at your local side this weekend.


As with any such initiative there will always be some questions over the longer term benefit but at Non League level even 50 extra people through the turnstiles for one game can make a huge difference to finances.


Enjoy your football, wherever you go!

Tuesday 6 October 2015

And Finally...Ten More For Non League Day

One final set of offers for this Saturday's Non League Day, again in no particular order.

Enjoy your football, wherever it is this weekend.

There is free entry if you are in fancy dress at Bishop's Stortford FC when they take on Hayes & Yeading while season tickets from other clubs can gain admission for £5.

Season ticket holders from other clubs can watch North Shields FC take on Dunston for just £1.

Gateshead host Cheltenham in an attractive-looking National League clash and reduced prices of £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and £1 Under-16's give Newcastle and Sunderland fans the chance to enjoy their football for a change!

Haringey Borough host Tilbury at Coles Park in the Ryman League and there is free entry for all to this one.

It's Non League Day but also Family Day at Banbury United FC as they entertain Mangotsfield United and there is a massive amount going at the Spencer Stadium including free admission for all Under-16's and a small gift for all children and half-price admission for Premier League and Football League season ticket holders.

Reduced prices are in operation at Yate Town where Bashley are the visitors. £5 Adults, £3.50 Concessions and free for children.

Season ticket holders from any Premier League or Football League club and all Under 16's can watch Buckingham Town for free against Oakham United in the United Counties League.

There is free admission for season ticket holders from any professional football club when Barnoldswick Town host AFC Liverpool at the superbly named (I know it is a sponsorship deal but even so) Silentnight Stadium.

Premier League and Football League season ticket holders can watch Welwyn Garden City FC for half-price against Leverstock Green in the Spartan South Midlands League.

And finally...Oadby Town have reduced entry to £4 and will admit students and members of the armed forces for free when Sleaford Town are the visitors in the United Counties League.

Sunday 4 October 2015

Ten More Non League Day Offers

Non League Day takes place on Saturday 10th October and clubs are once more really getting into the spirit of the event.

Once again, these are in no particular order...

Lingfield FC of the Southern Combination Football League are offering free admission to their home game against Bexhill United in return for a donation to Non League Day's chosen charity, Prostate Cancer UK.

Season ticket holders from Premier League and Football League clubs can watch Conference action at Boreham Wood for £10 Adults, £7 OAPS and £5 Under-16's as they entertain Welling United.

Matlock Town are the visitors to Halesowen Town in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and admission prices have been reduced to £5 for Adults, OAPS and Concessions. Under-16's can watch for £3 and Under-12's for free.

Premier League and Championship season ticket holders can gain free admission at Aldershot Town when they meet Altrincham in the National League.

St Helens Town AFC are at home to Chadderton FC in the North West Counties League First Division and are offering 'Pay What You Want' admission to Brocstedes Park.

Nantwich Town FC play host to Hyde FC at the Weaver Stadium and have two special offers in place for the game. Season ticket holders of other clubs can gain admission for £6 and a family ticket is available for just £10 allowing entry for 2 Adults and 2 Children.

Season ticket holders from Premier League, Football League or Conference clubs can watch Leek Town at home to Basford United for £5.

Leamington FC will admit season ticket holders from any sport to the Phillips 66 Community Stadium for £5 when they host Merthyr Town, as well as members of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services.

Hallam FC are targeting an attendance of 400 at Sandaygate for the visit of Hemsworth Miners Welfare in the Northern Counties East League and are offering free admission to season ticket holders of any club, an inviting offer for Sheffield Wednesday supporters especially as they have no fixture that weekend.

AFC Emley, meanwhile, have put together a special offer for the Non League Day game at home to Hull United. Buy in advance online and for £10 you will receive entry, a programme, a raffle ticket and any hot food item with chips and a hot drink. Under-13's, as always, go free with an accompanied adult.