Hundreds of local children have enjoyed a unique matchday experience thanks to the AFC Fylde Community Foundation.

The Foundation has just marked the end of the first season of the innovative ‘Fylde Super Sevens’ programme which has proved to be a runaway success.

Each of the primary schools the Foundation team work in partnership with across the Fylde were given the opportunity to visit Mill Farm during a home match-day for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The visiting youngsters got the chance to meet AFC Fylde players, have a photograph taken on the pitch and receive a free goodie bag packed to the brim with match-day memorabilia including a home shirt, scarf, season ticket and other goodies all courtesy of the Community Foundation.

During its first year, the programme welcomed an impressive 227 excited children through the doors. The ‘Super Sevens’ programme focuses on helping children to experience the thrill of a live football match and understand the skill and commitment involved in the game.

The Foundation hopes this inspires young boys and girls to play football and to remember their special day with them for years to come.

Foundation Director Tom Hutton is incredibly proud of the programme and the success it has enjoyed in its debut season. He said: “Super Sevens is a unique initiative. To welcome new children to the stadium every home game and allow them to see the ground, the players and receive their own free goodie bag is unlike anything else on offer.

“It’s an inspiring programme which allows young boys and girls to enjoy sport in an environment they may never have been in before. For many, it’s the first time they have ever watched a live game of football and their reaction is fantastic.”

For more information and news stories please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk or keep up to date with all our updates on twitter @afcfct