Free Carlisle United tickets for schoolchildren this season

For the 19th year, the Society is renewing its community scheme, offering up to 200 free tickets to primary schools, community groups, and junior football teams for each home match at Brunton Park.

Supporters are excited as a promising new season unfolds, following an investment from the club’s new US proprietors, the Piatak family.

The Cumberland’s business development manager, Andrew Gordon, said: "We’re delighted to be renewing the scheme for another season.

"There’s a natural affinity between the local football club and the local building society.

"Through this scheme, we’re helping to create the fans of the future.

"There’s a genuine buzz about Carlisle United following the Piataks’ investment and optimism about the prospects for this season.

"I can’t wait to see the youngsters’ faces when they see the Blues get back to winning ways."

The scheme has benefited over 30,000 young fans over the years, offering more than just watching a match.

They also get to meet players, have photos taken with mascot Olga, walk around the pitch, and sit in the dugout.

Children receive a free ticket and a half-price adult ticket for the next home game.

United's chairman, Tom Piatak, values the scheme as a tool to expand the club's support base.

Mr Piatak said: "I love to see the kids here.

"It’s important to us to encourage them to come and for them to get their friends to participate.

"That’s how we grow the community support that the club needs."

The much-anticipated 2024-25 League Two campaign starts at Gillingham on Saturday, August 10.

The first home fixture is an EFL Carabao Cup tie against Stoke City, followed by a crucial Cumbrian derby against Barrow in League Two at Brunton Park on Saturday, August 17.

A leading financial institution in Carlisle, the Cumberland Building Society boasts assets of £3.2bn and has branches spread across Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire, and southern Scotland.