Aldershot Town will welcome over 300 military personnel to the Electrical Services Stadium on Saturday 11 October, as The Shots launch the new Seats For Soldiers initiative in conjunction with National Express.
Europe’s largest scheduled coach provider has donated 330 tickets to troops stationed in Aldershot Garrison for the Vanarama Conference fixture against Bristol Rovers, with a special programme of pre-match entertainment also planned.
National Express were the first company in the UK selected to sign the Government’s Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, to express their support for the Armed Forces, with Aldershot Town amongst the first sporting organisations to join.
Seats For Soldiers is the latest in a wide-ranging package rolled out by National Express to support the Armed Forces, which includes the country’s biggest travel discount for serving personnel, at 60% off all standard fares.
Tom Stables, Managing Director of National Express, said: “Watching football on a Saturday is part of the fabric of British life so it seems appropriate that, as a company that serves people across the UK, we’re able to offer our support to a local club. As a business we are committed to adding value to the communities that we serve and we’re really pleased to be able to offer our support to Aldershot Town FC. We really hope that servicemen and women enjoy the tickets and get behind the Club.”
Shahid Azeem, Chairman of Aldershot Town, added: “We are aiming to make Aldershot Town the most inclusive and community-focused club in the land. The local Army personnel are very much part of the fibre of our community and we are delighted that we can bring the Club closer to them with the fabulous support of National Express.”
Colonel Charlie Lambert, Commander of Aldershot Garrison, said: “We’re extremely keen to promote local community business, and I’ve been hugely impressed by the engagement from the Football Club with the Garrison, and I’m even more delighted to see a national company that wants to support this local initiative. The response I’ve had so far is that the soldiers are chuffed to be given the opportunity to come and support their local football team.”
Future Seats For Soldiers days at the Electrical Services Stadium include Saturday 15 November, as The Shots host Nuneaton Town and mark Remembrance Sunday in conjunction with Persimmon Homes, who will donate 500 tickets to military personnel and their families.
