SPORTS fans are set to benefit from a new partnership to support grassroots football in the community.

Bus operator First York and York City FC say that among the benefits being introduced for fans will be a 50 per cent discount on fares for season ticket holders travelling on Service 9 to the LNER Community Stadium, free one-day return travel to selected homes games and competitions to win free travel on First’s city network.

York City FC season ticket holders can take advantage of the First Bus offers from the Southport home fixture on Saturday, October 9.

Ross Johnstone, commercial manager of First York, said: “This partnership is about working together to connect local people and communities to the club they love and rediscovering leisure activities that will help York’s economic revival.

“Sporting competition is one of the many areas of life that people are looking forward to enjoying again from right where the action is.”

Plans are being developed by First York and the club to introduce half-time bus-themed football games and entertainment for younger fans. They are also investigating a link with the YCFC Foundation to promote matchday participation.

Liam McGuinness, commercial manager of York City FC, said: “We’re extremely proud to be working alongside First York in delivering initiatives that benefit our loyal supporters as well as those of all ages in the community, both on and off the pitch.

“We know how important travel to our magnificent new stadium is for our fans and these current and planned initiatives will make matchday travel cheaper and help us all be more environmentally friendly to our beautiful city. This is just the start of our journey with First York and together with our wonderful YCFC Foundation, we’re excited to get going.”

Bus information will be featured on the club’s website https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/tickets/travel-lner-community-stadium while First York will carry details of ticket and retail promotions on https://www.firstbus.co.uk/york with both supporting joint promotions on social media.

First York is keen to involve other social, cultural and sporting life of the city. It has a launched a dedicated page on its website firstbus.co.uk/york/about-us/our-local-partners