Young fans to go free at Walsall

Walsall today offered 'free' season tickets to children and teenagers in a bid to halt a slump in attendances at the Banks's Stadium.

The Saddlers announced a freeze in season ticket prices for the third successive year as they look to boost crowds that have dipped to a league average of just 3,799 with the team struggling this term.

And they will offer free football to under-18s for the 2011-12 season in a scheme they claim is a Football League first.

Under-18s who sign up by April 2 will be offered a season ticket for £46 and youngsters with the tickets will be given £2 'cashback' at each League game, meaning 'free' football if they attend all 23 matches.

Chief executive Stefan Gamble said: "The fans have told us what they want and we have responded by offering free football to youngsters and freezing prices for the third consecutive season.

"The town's youngsters are the future of this club and we are trying to do everything we can to get them behind the club.

"The free ticket offer is a great way to get involved and watch live football in a modern stadium with superb facilities."

Banks's Stadium attendances have slumped from an average of 5,392 five years ago to under 4,000 so far this season, but the club hope another freeze in season ticket prices will encourage stay-away supporters to return.

A club statement said: "The season ticket price freeze means that an adult can attend every single Walsall FC League game from as little as just £9 per match.

"An adult season-ticket in the Floors-2-Go Stand lower tier is priced at just £215 and in all other areas of the ground it's just £290, equating to just over £12.50 per match.

"Compared to matchday prices, this means season-ticket holder can enjoy up to 10 free games."

Those prices are only available during the club's 'early bird' promotion, which starts on March 1 and runs until April 2.

The club have also extended the age category in which children can join 'Swifty's Squad', meaning youngsters who are under-12 on August 6, 2011 can attend all home League games for free on a match-by-match basis when accompanied by a full paying adult.