City’s Imps For All scheme is continuing for 2024/25 - with supporters able to help expand the opportunity to experience a matchday to more people as the club hope to hand out even more tickets this season.
Each ticket purchased in the scheme will be matched by the club to ensure as many people as possible are able to enjoy the matchday experience at the LNER Stadium.
And with an incredible £10,000 already donated for this season, supporters have already ensured a wide range of people will be able to attend games.
One change to the programme this season is to allow donations to be made in increments of £10.
The donated tickets will be distributed on a match-by-match basis by Lincoln City Foundation to those who may not usually be able to attend.
Thanks to donations from the club’s board and fans, almost 700 match tickets were handed to members of the local community who would not normally attend football matches for a variety of reasons throughout the last campaign.
The scheme distributed tickets to a wide range of beneficiaries, including care homes, educational institutions, mental health support groups, physical activity programs, and language classes.
Here are some examples of beneficiaries from 2023/24:
- Many participants attended their first-ever football match, including individuals from diverse backgrounds and different age groups.
- The scheme provided opportunities for social interaction and community building among individuals who might otherwise feel isolated.
- Tickets were used as a reward for academic achievements, good behaviour, and volunteer commitments, promoting positive reinforcement and engagement.
- The scheme enabled special celebrations, such as birthdays and significant milestones, enhancing the personal significance of matchdays for attendees.
- One member achieved a lifelong dream of attending a live football match, fulfilling a "bucket list" item.
- Volunteers were rewarded for their dedication to teaching English, fostering a sense of appreciation and motivation.
- Care Home residents who had not attended a match for many years were able to reconnect with their passion for football.
- Participants in the Foundation’s Team Talk sessions enjoyed socialising further, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to bond over a shared interest.
- People living with Parkinson’s enjoyed a matchday experience, which included a stadium tour and meeting players, providing a memorable and inclusive activity.
- Young people from the PL Kicks program, who might not afford match tickets, were rewarded for their good behaviour and regular attendance, promoting positive reinforcement.
- Older adults, potentially facing loneliness over the Christmas period, were given a reason to socialise and enjoy a communal activity.
- Non-native speakers experienced a football match, enhancing cultural integration and providing a shared community experience.
- Regular participants of the Walking Football sessions connected more closely with the Lincoln City family by watching the first team play.
- Cancer survivors in the Foundation’s Fighting Fit program used the matchday to strengthen peer support networks and enjoy social interaction.
- Men from a mental health support group experienced the joy of a matchday, which reinforced the support network established at the LNER Stadium.
- National Citizen Service participants were rewarded for their engagement, encouraging continued participation and community involvement.
- Families from local after school clubs, who might not afford match tickets were given the chance to attend, providing a memorable family outing.
The Imps For All scheme has significantly contributed to enhancing community spirit, promoting social inclusion, and providing memorable experiences to a diverse array of beneficiaries.
Those in a position to donate to the local community can do so by emailing tickets@theredimps.com. It is also an option to select when purchasing a gold membership online.