Grimsby Town FC would like to place on record their heart-felt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Mariners Trust’s appeal to support families being able to afford tickets for Sunday’s Promotion Final.

While we were in discussion with the National League about Concession tickets in the Upper Tier, we worked with our friends at the Mariners Trust who acted quickly to devise a way for donations to be received so that our young supporters wouldn’t have to pay £40+ for a ticket or risk missing out on seeing their team in a big final, while also helping families who are struggling to afford the cost of travelling to London this weekend.

We have been totally overwhelmed by the generosity of our fans, and others from all over the country, to donate to this appeal, and the £18k+ raised already means that around 900 Under 16s could be able to claim subsidised tickets and at time when households face probably the toughest economic situation in a generation.

Thanks also go to The National Lottery who have provided 500 tickets for the community and the National League who agreed to fund transport for people benefitting from these tickets. Our Sports & Education Trust has been working with local community organisations to make sure that families in need benefit. Vanarama have also kindly been in touch with the Mariners Trust to donate.

It has been heart-warming and overwhelming to see the outpouring of support on social media for the appeal and it shows the power of football and that football fans, regardless of their allegiance, can come together for a common goal.

On this occasion, football is the winner, and for that we are very proud.

UTM.