United For Kids 2016/17

Football will yet again be available free to disadvantaged young people across Dundee this season thanks to the generosity of the Club and its fans. For over a decade the Club, its supporters, the United for All charity and Dundee City Council have joined forces to give away free season tickets for Tannadice. This year, younger supporters also have the chance to sign up for free to Dundee United Business Club’s ‘Young Arabs’ supporters’ club as part of the initiative. Chairman Stephen Thompson, Associate Director Colin Stewart, the Management and playing squad were joined at the stadium today by Lord Provost Bob Duncan, and Children and Families Senior Officers, Audrey White and Nicky Maccrimmon, to hand over 400 season tickets and memberships. Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: "In Dundee we are committed to getting it right for every child and their families. This means no matter your background or circumstances, children, young people and families should have the same opportunities and chances as anyone. “We have had excellent feedback from children and parents who attended last year. "Improving the health and wellbeing of our children and young people is a priority. With so many tickets going to a wide variety of agencies working with children and family services across the city, it creates an opportunity for them to regularly enjoy going out together as a family and supporting a local football team, which brings a range of health and wellbeing benefits.” The United for Kids appeal was originally suggested by exiled fan Dr Andy Holt who is living in Canada and was launched at the end of June 2005, with the Club pledging to match every penny donated to the appeal by fans. Since then it has grown steadily each season and is now administered by a registered charity, United for All. David Mulholland, on behalf of United for All said: “This initiative is so worthwhile and we are proud to continue to support it. Creating opportunities for these youngsters is only possible with the continued generosity of the United fans.” Dundee United Associate Director Colin Stewart said: “The Club is delighted to continue to support the project and play its part in supporting children in the local community. The team made a point of training at Tannadice today so that the kids would be able to meet the players and management whilst collecting their season tickets." Dundee United Chairman Stephen Thompson said: "When Andy Holt came to the Club ten years ago with this concept, I do not think anyone could have envisaged it being the success it continues to be. “Dundee United are proud of our strong community ties and the United for Kids campaign is an integral part of that. Working closely with Dundee City Council and United for All and our fans, we continue to allow disadvantaged youngsters the opportunity to come along to Tannadice.”