Villa launch Tickets for Schools scheme

[Handsworth Wood Villa]

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2587294,00.html

Very good idea but don't really see the point in going to a school in Sutton Coldfield where we already have a strong fanbase.

The headteacher alluded to this

We have a lot of Villa fans here at Boldmere Primary School and we may have a few more soon with this great scheme.

What we need to do is target inner-city Birmingham where there is a high ethnic minority population - areas like Aston, Handsworth, Lozells, Nechells, Small Heath, Hockley, Winson Green, Sparkbrook, Ward End, Ladywood, Saltley etc.

These are the areas where we lose support to Man U, Liverpool and Arsenal.

[Chipsticks]

Beat me to it TRS-T

A great initiative that should encourage the younger generation into the game; or at the very least help raise our failing attendances. I like it.

[rjp]

This is following on from the last SCG:

6.   Would the club consider giving some free tickets away to local schools? Especially kids who play for after school clubs. Or even offer junior ticket deals where a player can hand out tickets?

With the right process in place, this could be a great idea. Since the SCG we have spoken to a number of Head Teachers and PE co-ordinators and are currently finalising a pilot of a ticket based scheme for primary schools.  Watch this space.

Russell Jones
Head of Marketing

First safe standing now this, which I think is a great idea.  Perhaps they're beginning to take on board some of the criticism on places like this about communication/listening to the fans.

Edit: TRS-T - This is probably the pilot referred to in the quote above, maybe they'll target some of those areas if it works out.

[Chris Smith]

Only to be expected that some would try to find a negative with this initiative.

The scheme is open to all primary schools with a Birmingham postcode.

[Handsworth Wood Villa]

Only to be expected that some would try to find a negative with this initiative.

The scheme is open to all primary schools with a Birmingham postcode.

Does that mean it's open to schools in West Bromwich? 

[TheSandman]

Great idea and something that has been mentioned before on here. Well done to the club on this.

[spangley1812]

Only to be expected that some would try to find a negative with this initiative.

The scheme is open to all primary schools with a Birmingham postcode.

Does that mean it's open to schools in West Bromwich? 

Yes because West Bromwich is covered by the B70/B71 post codes

[cdbearsfan]

Only to be expected that some would try to find a negative with this initiative.

The scheme is open to all primary schools with a Birmingham postcode.

Does that mean it's open to schools in West Bromwich? 

It would be if they had any. Most kids there are off working in the Mushy Pay factories by the age of three.

[richardhubbard]

Good idea villa, maybe get some kids stop watching united or liverpool

[Handsworth Wood Villa]

If you go to Newcastle, everyone supports Newcastle.

It should be like that in Birmingham (with Villa obviously.)

[Legion]

If you go to Newcastle, everyone supports Newcastle.

It should be like that in Birmingham (with Villa obviously.)

Even the Sunderland fans?

[saunders_heroes]

If you go to Newcastle, everyone supports Newcastle.

It should be like that in Birmingham (with Villa obviously.)

It's a one club town unlike Birmingham. We don't do too badly considering the amount of clubs in this area. We piss all over your club Small Heath when it comes to support, that's for sure.

[john e]

bet they nicked this idea of MK Dons they have been doing it for years

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

In our school (Sheldon area), I'd say Blues have way more fans than other teams, then maybe Villa, but not a great deal more (if any) than Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool & Arsenal.

Share the wealth - get out into the poorer areas and give them tickets to fill the ground up and mabe pick up some new fans for the future!

[Legion]

At my place there are plenty of Villa fans (wonder why?), a few glory-hunters and a couple of knuckle-draggers. It would be nice if this initiative (as good as it is) was extended to neighbouring areas.