Without much fanfare — not that it necessarily needs to be over-celebrated — Chelsea have launched a cool new initiative to help local fans who have never been to a game attend their first ever Chelsea match.
It’s called “My First Game”, appropriately enough, and it’s targeting mainly younger kids in an effort to combat the rising cost of the game, and inflation in general (not just a recent problem).
There are only 30 spots (i.e. tickets) made available under this scheme per home game, but those tickets will be either free (for children) or just £25 (for adults). Only persons with a home address located within one (1) mile of the stadium and without any “prior ticket purchase history” with the club are eligible. (Apply here; no membership required.)
“The scheme will potentially see over 250 children, who either live or attend school locally, attending their first match free of charge, helping to grow the next generation of match-going Chelsea fans.
“Chelsea Football Club has a home in the heart of south-west London, yet many local residents and communities will never step foot inside the stadium. The My First Game initiative is designed to change that.”
-Lord Finkelstein, director; source: Chelsea FC
This is certainly a nice move from the club, and shows that some effort remains to maintain community connections.
Along similar lines, Chelsea recently confirmed that transportation will be provided by the club for the Christmas Eve game in Watford — though that follows the cancelation of the away coach travel subsidy scheme this season.
My First Game. ⚽️
An initiative that will see over 500 local residents and community members attend their first match at Stamford Bridge. @CFCFoundation
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 20, 2023