NEWPORT County AFC are aiming to recruit the next generation of fans by offering discounted match day tickets to local school children and parents for Saturday’s home clash with Barnet.

The club and County in the Community have been working in partnership to deliver a scheme for children to gain free entry to Rodney Parade with an adult paying half-price in Block D/E of the Hazell Stand.

On Monday defender Matt Partridge visited Undy Primary School, dropping in on a regular County in the Community-run football and education session.

Partridge took part in a question and answer session with pupils and delivered invites to the school children.

In total invitations were sent to pupils at Langstone, St.Joseph’s, St Woolos, Eveswell, St. David’s, Alway, Undy, Rogiet, Maindee, Gaer, Mono and Glasllwch primary schools.

Next week the County in the Community team will be delivering invites to schools in the Torfean Borough.

Pupils from Padre Pio RC, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran Primary, Greenmeadow, George Street, Ysgol Panteg and Llantarnam primary schools will be invited to attend the home fixture against Carlisle United on Saturday, February 13, (kick-off 1pm), along with their parents.

Community development officer Norman Parselle said: “This is a great way to attract younger fans to games.

“We are a community club and this scheme is perfect to appeal to the schools that we visit on a weekly basis.

“It will be great to see the pupils at both games to support the team.”

Director Gavin Foxall said: “Norman Parselle approached me to see if it was possible to organise a scheme to appeal to school pupils and as a board we were keen to support this idea.

“We want the football club to be at the heart of the local community and we feel that projects such as this are vital in achieving that.”

Anyone who has received an invitation can redeem the offer by calling 01633 674963 or by visiting the club ticket office in person at Rodney Parade.

The ticket office is open from 10am to 3pm from Monday to Friday and on home Saturdays, with extended opening hours until 7pm on the day before home fixtures.

The ticket office is also open for one hour after home fixtures for future match purchases.