Saddlers first-team stars Tommy Simkin and Jamie Jellis visited Castle School ahead of this weekend’s Walsall FC School Partners Game.
The initiative, run by Walsall FC Foundation, has seen a record number of 1888 tickets sold, with 46 schools across the Borough taking part.
School Partners Games have been running since 2007, and offer tickets at one-off reduced prices for school children to inspire the next generation of Walsall fans.
Since its inception, the scheme has sold over 37,000 tickets, with more than £18,000 given as cashback to local schools.
Joe Roberts, Head of Education at Walsall FC Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to see a record number of tickets sold through our School Partners Game initiative.
“Through our Foundation’s activities both on a matchday and during the working week, we always strive to engage with the next generation of Saddlers supporters.
“We’re excited to see a number of children and families for the Crewe fixture, many who will be attending their first game through this offer.
“The atmosphere should be fantastic, and I hope for many of these young people it will be the first game of many!”
Castle School is a special school in Leamore for 7-18 year-olds with moderate learning difficulties and additional needs. They had the most engagement of any Walsall school, with 104 tickets sold.
Simkin and Jellis surprised the Castle pupils this week, joining in an assembly and Q&A with the pupils.
Greg Meacham, Assistant Headteacher at Castle School, added: “The School Partners Games run by the Foundation are a massive opportunity for our young people.
“The has been a big buzz around the school all week and lots of excitement. Many of our young people simply would not be able to afford to share this experience with their friends and families if the offer was not around.
“I know the family feel at these games will give them all a day to remember.”
For more information on our School Partners Games, please contact joe.roberts@walsallfc.co.uk
