Free Latics tickets to find new fans

ALL seven-year-olds in Oldham can claim free tickets to Latics and a replica shirt as part of a pioneering scheme to find new fans.

For the first time ever, the Boundary Park club is giving away 500 free shirts to fans turning seven this season.

Athletic’s commercial department has teamed up with local primary schools to encourage more children to watch the League One club.

The scheme is seen as a long-term way of swelling the club’s fanbase in the wake of dwindling matchday attendances.

Chief executive Alan Hardy said: “It is important that we encourage the youngsters in the borough to have an affinity with their local club at an early age. If we can catch them young, and they enjoy their visit to Boundary Park, we hope they continue to be Latics fans for the rest of their lives.”

Children will be presented with their shirts at home games for the rest of the season starting with the battle of the roses clash with Huddersfield Town on Sunday, November 1.

Parents and relatives who accompany the children will be given reduced price tickets while brothers and sisters of the seven-year-olds will be admitted free of charge.

Further details can be obtained from Mike Platt on 0161-785 5180.