The initiative hopes to introduce the next generation of Saddlers fans and, through the efforts of Walsall FC Community Programme, 874 extra fans will be seated in the Community Stand for the game.
This weekend also signals the start of Walsall FC Community Programme’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Saddlers players will be wearing commemorative Walsall FCCP shirts during their warm ups, and the charity are running a ‘Bring a Pound to the Ground’ appeal to raise money for community activities.
As an ex-Walsall goalkeeper, and the founder of the community scheme in December 1989, Mick Kearns will also be interviewed ahead of the game.
Adam Davy, Community Director, said; "It’s a proud occasion to be celebrating 30 years of Walsall FC Community Programme. I joined the scheme in 1994 and worked with Mick during that time to grow and enhance the programme, and I was equally proud to take over as Community Director in August 2014.
"Since then our team of staff have helped move the programme forwards. We are now bigger than ever before and delivering a wide and varied programme of activities across the Walsall borough, and I look forward to continuing our development for many years to come."
At the School Partners Game, these fans have received tickets at one-off reduced prices through their Walsall FC Partner School. Since School Partners games began in 2008, over 24,000 tickets have now been sold, with more than £12,000 in total donated back to local schools.
Davy added; "Walsall FC has a strong reputation as a community club and we are happy to be a part of that. We’re pleased to be able to bring extra families into this Community Stand for this Saturday’s game and it’s great to introduce a number of young fans to the Saddlers. By taking up the offer, parents are supporting the Saddlers, the community scheme and their local primary school."
For more information on Walsall FC School Partners please visit walsallfccp.co.uk/education/schoolpartners, or email Community Manager for Education Paul Larvin at [email protected].