The Ospreys and Education Staffing Solutions, supporter of the region’s official schools ticketing programme, have hailed the success of the initiative on the back of its most successful season yet.
The support of ESS has helped to drive the programme since last September, leading to an increase in the Ospreys’ presence in schools across the region, regularly taking Ozzie the Osprey into primary school assemblies, with an average of 10 schools per game attending term time matches across 2014/15.
The pupils have been able to enjoy enhanced matchday activities including a lap of honour around the Liberty Stadium pitch, while the schools themselves have benefited from a cashback scheme on tickets purchased via the initiative. All pupils who attend games via this initiative are then signed up to the rapidly expanding and free to join junior kids club at the Ospreys, Ozzie’s Army.
Yarnie Guthrie, Commercial Manager at the Ospreys, said:
“The investment from ESS into the programme has allowed us to deliver a great deal to schools the length and breadth of Ospreylia and we truly appreciate that.
“The schools ticketing programme has gone from strength to strength over the course of this season, as has the wider ticketing scheme that we have in place now.
“As a business, Ospreys Rugby have identified the need to have a wide range of commercial partners operating in specific sectors, with the industry knowledge to assist us in our goals in that area, and this is a perfect example of that outlook in action.”
Kevin Moyes, CEO, Education Staffing Solutions said:
“ESS are delighted with the positive outcomes of this years schools ticket programme. We have worked closely with the Ospreys and its hard working community team over the last four years to enable school children the opportunity to watch top class sport.
“This enrichment is an important part of the school children’s development and we are thrilled that so many have attended. May we take this opportunity to thank all children, schools, parents, teachers, communities and the Ospreys for making this such a successful year”
The schools ticketing programme is now well placed to grow rapidly next season thanks to the new relationships created via the Ospreys’ link-up with ESS and is just one strand of a wider group ticketing initiative that has helped to drive an increase in average crowds at the Liberty Stadium this season.
More than 13,000 supporters attending matches via the scheme, which is also available to clubs, businesses, super groups such as scouts, and colleges and universities.