Express & Star

MPs call for unsold England tickets to go to schools

Black Country MPs have backed calls urging the Football Association to donate unsold tickets for England matches to deprived children.

Published
West Bromwich West MP Adrian Bailey

West Bromwich West MP Adrian Bailey is among 128 politicians to have signed a letter asking FA chairman Greg Clarke to 'take steps to ensure the days of empty wasted seats are ended'.

England recently played Slovenia at Wembley in front of 61,500 with 28,000 seats unsold, but the FA said it gave away 7,000 tickets to the game.

Of that 7,000, schools received 4,000 and a further 3,000 went to community groups.

The letter was written by Shadow Sports Minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, the MP for Tooting, who said: "The 28,000 empty seats at Wembley represent 28,000 lost opportunities - for many young children across the country, seeing England play live at Wembley is a distant dream.

"The FA can turn this dream into a reality."

Labour MP Mr Bailey, who as a youngster saw England beat Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley, said: "The experiences we have in our formative years, especially when we are young children, help to shape what we believe is possible for us to achieve.

"Visiting Wembley, one of the world’s most famous stadiums, to watch our national team play, broadens the horizons of those fortunate enough to go.

"Steps should be taken to ensure that the days of wasted empty seats are ended and work should be done with schools across the country in areas such as Sandwell, so that current and future generations of schoolchildren are given the opportunity to be entertained, motivated and inspired by a free trip to England’s national stadium at Wembley."

Other politicians who have signed the letter include West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson, Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith and Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz.