Dundee Football Club, Dundee FC Supporters’ Society and Dark Blues Business Trust have delivered a boost to families by announcing sponsorship that means under-12s season tickets for 2011/12 will cost just £20. Following an approach by the Club, the DFCSS and DBBT have each pledged £10,000 to subsidise the cost of 1000 season tickets for young children. Both parties acknowledge the need to make football more affordable for families but are acutely aware of the need to ensure the Club continues to generate as much revenue as possible. In discussions, the three parties hit upon this idea as a way of allowing more primary school-age children and their families to attend matches at Dens without putting income streams at risk. The subsidised price means that under-12s will now be able to watch their favourites for the equivalent of little more than £1 per game, as well as enjoying the other benefits that come with a season ticket. More child-friendly activities are planned for matchdays next season, and the finishing touches are being put to a plan to revitalise the Junior Dees organisation and make it more attractive to the next generation of Dundee diehards. DFCSS Chairman Scott Glenday said that children were the future of the Club and that the Society’s recent consultation experience showed how important the cost of juvenile admission was to supporters. “Both groups have approved expenditure and we feel it is good use of funds as kids are vital to the future of any football club,” he said. “We’ve been attracting more youngsters and families up to Dens in recent times and hope to see even more at games next season on the back of this offer. “It should make a day at the match more affordable for families and we’re delighted that the Club, Society, Trust and supporters in general have together have made this possible. This will reduce the price of admission for under-12s to around a pound per league game and offers excellent value for money. “We’re hoping to bring Dundee FC closer to the community and its people, this is just one of the ways we’re trying to do that, its early days and we’ve a lot to do but I really do hope that there’s a good take up on this offer. Saving Dundee FC financially and protecting our First Division status was a real team effort last season and I hope this initiative rewards, helps and encourages those with young families to get along and enjoy the football.” Steve Martin, DBBT on the club’s board, said the initiative was a way of thanking fans for all their hard work last season and building for the future. “We know how vital it is to encourage the next generation to go along to Dens Park and appreciate how difficult it can be for families to attend the football in these difficult economic times,” he said. “That’s why this seemed the perfect way of helping those with young children to do just that whilst making sure that the Club doesn’t lose money. We’re delighted to be working with the DFCSS and the club and to be able to make this long-term investment. “Everybody is determined to build on the hard work of last season. I know there were a lot of people who brought their children along to the Partick game at the end of the season and it was the kids first visit to Dens. It was heartening to see so many young boys and girls in Dundee colours and we’re determined to do what we can to make it easier for their parents to keep bringing them along.”