17thoct05

Monday 17th October 2005

Fleet launch their latest community initiative

Gravesend & Northfleet are pleased to announce the launch of their latest community initiative aimed at bringing greater access and involvement for young people with professional football, reports www.gnfc.co.uk

For the remainder of the season, which consists of 14 home Nationwide Conference League games, the club are proposing to allocate 8,500 complimentary tickets.

The tickets will be made available to all primary schools in the area on a rota throughout the rest of season.

Kicking off with the Fleet’s game against Stevenage Borough on Saturday 29th October 2005 selected schools will be allocated tickets providing free entry to the match.

Each ticket will also be entered in to a free draw for some exciting prizes presented on match day. Winners will also meet members of the team.

The great giveaway will be for all children under the age of 12 years. The club will be visiting around five or six schools in the week before a game.

Members of the first team squad will be able to meet the children and staff, hand out the free tickets together with other club information and hopefully participate in some fitness or football training if lessons permit.

The club hope many youngsters will enjoy the opportunity to mix with the players and learn some skills and training secrets.

Commenting on the initiative Gravesend & Northfleet's chairman, Brian Kilcullen said: “This £50,000 pound donation of free access to watch professional football is just what the sport needs at a time when all clubs are looking to improve attendances.

"The fact that players want to engage with local school children and help take professional football out into the community is further evidence of our commitment to get close to football fans and motivate youngsters to succeed in school as well as social life”

Frank Walter, Fleet Group’s new managing director added: “Children and parents visiting Stonebridge Road, the home of the Fleet, can be assured of a fantastic welcome and enjoyable match day experience.

"With the team performing so well on the pitch our guests will be in for an exciting and action packed afternoon”

With Dartford staging their FA Trophy first qualifying round replay against Dover Athletic at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday night, kicking off at 7:45pm, the Fleet have announced their Fans Forum with Kilcullen, manager Liam Daish and other key members of the club in attendance, has been switched to Fleet Leisure, and will get underway at 7:30pm.

It's a big weekend of FA Cup football for the Fleet this weekend.

Daish takes his first team to Kettering Town on Saturday with a place in the first round proper at stake, and the following day, the club's women's team entertain Woking in the first round proper of the FA Women's Cup, at the AEI Sports Club in Gravesend, kicking off at 2pm.

The ladies side, however, have produced their best league start ever, unbeaten in eight league games and have secured top spot in the London & South East Regional League and defeated Clapton Orient by two goals to one yesterday.