United For Kids

Scottish premiership football will again be available free to disadvantaged young people across Dundee this season, thanks to the generosity of Dundee United fans and their Club. For a decade the Club, its supporters and Dundee City Council Integrated Children’s Services have joined forces to give away free season tickets for Tannadice. Manager Jackie McNamara and captain Sean Dillon were joined at the stadium today by Lord Provost Bob Duncan, council leader Ken Guild, Integrated Children’s Services manager, Bert Sandeman and Colin Stewart, representing United for All to hand over 400 briefs. Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: “There is nothing quite like the thrill of attending a football match and for the club and its fans to afford that opportunity to 400 of the city’s most disadvantaged young people is a substantial gift. "With so many tickets going to a wide variety of projects and agencies involved with children and family services across the city it creates an opportunity for them to get into the habit of going out and supporting a local football team.” Children and young people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances, including, young carers, looked after children and other young people who could not otherwise afford to attend matches will benefit. The United for Kids appeal was originally suggested by exiled fan Dr Andy Holt while he was living in Canada and was launched at the end of June 2005, with the club pledging to match every penny donated to the appeal by fans. Since then it has grown steadily each season and is now administered by a registered charity, United for All. Colin Stewart, on behalf of United for All said: “This initiative is so worthwhile and we are proud to continue to support it. Creating opportunities for these youngsters is only possible with the continued generosity of the United fans.” Dundee United Chairman Stephen Thompson said: "When Andy Holt came to the Club ten years ago with this concept, I do not think anyone could have envisaged it being the success it continues to be. "Dundee United are proud of our strong community ties and the United for Kids campaign is an integral part of that. Working closely with Dundee City Council and United for All and our fans, we continue to allow disadvantaged youngsters the opportunity to come along to Tannadice.”