STOKE CITY'S record-breaking City 7s scheme is fast approaching the magical 1,000 mark this season . . . and is lining up a special treat for the young supporter who takes them to that milestone in the near future.
City set themselves the goal of reaching 1,000 members for the 2011-12 campaign and the excellent response so far reflects the high level of interest within that age group of children stimulated by all the Club's recent success.
The City 7s package is a wonderful seventh birthday present for any young child interested in following the Club's fortunes, but it will be an extra special one for the 1,000th member who registers for the scheme.
That lucky child will be offered the chance to be a mascot at one of City's forthcoming matches at the Britannia Stadium.
As one of the Club's mascots, the young supporter will not only enjoy the thrill of walking out with the team before the kick-off, he or she will also be treated to an extended look at the matchday action rarely seen by fans.
With the 1,000 mark now in sight, City's Chief Executive Tony Scholes commented: "It is fantastic news that we are now so close to this target, one which we felt was realistic this season given the success we have achieved.
"City 7s goes from strength to strength and it is clear that it is having an impact on our supporter base and attendances.
"As well as seeing more children around the city wearing Stoke City shirts, there are a high number of young people and families at the Britannia Stadium. Whereas only a few years ago, under-21s made up approximately 15% of our following, that figure is now 25% and we are confident it will continue to rise."
He added: "An important part of the increase in City 7s this season has been the success of the Co-operative Football Roadshow and the support we have received from our main sponsor Britannia with this initiative. This has brought us into direct contact with so many young children within this particular age group."
The City 7s scheme has been running for six years now and while many hundreds of children have been given an introduction to supporting the Club in that time, this is by far the most successful season in terms of numbers.
For those celebrating their seventh birthday, there is the opportunity to receive a very special present which will encourage them to follow the Club's fortunes both now and hopefully for many more years to follow.
For just £10.00, the young supporter will receive the following present:
*A Stoke City home shirt for the 2011-12 season
*Two free tickets to see the Potters at the Britannia Stadium
*A £5.00 voucher to open or add to your Stoke City Save and Support account
These special gifts will be handed out at special presentation evenings at the Britannia Stadium for which the young fans and their parents will receive an invitation where they will get the chance to meet the club mascot Pottermus and a player.
The two tickets for one of City's home matches will be one adult and one junior and the particular game will be decided by the Club.
*If you have any queries, please contact Claire Blundred on 01782 592252
