Burnley FC give free tickets to soldiers

The initiative, put together by the Tickets for Troops charity, is aimed to give our soldiers, sailors and airmen free tickets to sporting and cultural events, working in partnership with Burnley Football Club and other organisations.

The club recently donated full training kits to Burnley troops from the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment while they were on tour in Afghanistan, before welcoming them back as VIP guests for last month’s Reading game.

Chairman of Tickets for Troops, Lord Marland, said: “I would like to thank The Football League and Burnley for their kind and fantastic support in establishing this new relationship which enables troops from all corners of the country to support their local team.

“We have seen a great wave of generosity from our ticket donors wanting to demonstrate their support and appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the marvellous men and women of our armed forces.”

Set up last year, the charity provides troops with tickets for sporting events including football, horse racing, rugby, darts and cricket matches as well as theatre performances and music concerts, all free of charge.

Tickets for Troops are also offering the opportunity for members of the armed forces to go to major occasions like the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, MPH show featuring Top Gear live, as well as England’s November fixture against France.

The Football League’s, director of external affairs Gavin Megaw, said: “Football league clubs have a long standing close relationship with the armed forces, and it is great to see Burnley supporting Tickets for Troops in this way.

With a host of patrons, including Dave Whelan, Gary Lineker, and Jeremy Clarkson, the initiative backs servicemen and women from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Patron of the charity and England footballer, Steven Gerrard MBE, said: “Young men and women are risking their lives every day and Tickets for Troops is a very simple way of respecting their courage and their sacrifices.”

Troops are encouraged to go online and register at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk.