Clubs with that little extra help for Families

The Guardian recently ran an article entitled Footie for all the Family. Pete May, the author, recommended 20 of 'the most family friendly football clubs.' Hereford United wasn't on his list but several League Two sides were.

So, your kids want to go to Chelsea, but you can't afford it, and it's better on the box anyway. Stop. Put that remote down now. There is an alternative. It's called real football. To paraphrase the League of Gentlemen, this country has local teams for local people.

Beyond the upper reaches of the Premiership, many clubs are realising that children are the adult fans of the future and empty seats destroy atmosphere. This season, the Football League launches its Fans of the Future scheme, where children accompanied by an adult get into the game for nothing. Most clubs also now do some sort of special deal for adults taking children, particularly if you book in advance or buy a season ticket.

GRIMSBY TOWN, League Two

Cost: Free season tickets for U-15s in the main stand, adult season ticket £323. Match day: U-14s £7, adults £15.

What you get: Asda Family Lounge with TV and drinks in the family stand.

Tickets 01472 608026, gtfc.co.uk. Blundell Park, Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, DN35 7PY.

Grimsby has had great deals for kids for the past decade. It's a bit of a trek from the town centre, but it is on bus routes, close to chip shops and, of course, the kids can join in with the chorus of, "We only sing when we're fishing!"

MACCLESFIELD TOWN, League Two

Cost: Free entry for U-12s, U-16s £5, adults £10-13. U-16 season tickets £50.

What you get: Junior Silkmen receive coaching on mornings of games, birthday cards and certificates.

Tickets 01625 264686, mtfc.co.uk. Moss Rose Ground, London Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 7SP.

Macclesfield has the lowest arrest figures in the league and, with crowds rarely topping 3,000, access is easy. The station is 10 minutes away and there's good parking.

NOTTS COUNTY, League Two

Cost: Free season tickets for U-11s, adult season tickets £255-£329. Match day: U-16s £5, adults £16-£18. Special 13-game season tickets for anyone who lives more than 75 miles away.

What you get: Mini-Magpies receive free player and team pics, a birthday card signed by the players and a chance to meet the players at parties.

Tickets 0115 955 7204, nottscountyfc.co.uk. Meadow Lane Stadium, Meadow Lane, Nottingham, NG2 3HJ.

The league's oldest club has a 20,000 all-seater stadium. The family stand has a family room, tuck shop and face-painting for big games. Five minutes' bus or drive from the town centre.

STOCHPORT COUNTY, League Two

Cost: Free season tickets for U-7s, U-16s £50. On-the-day family package: one adult and two kids £22. U-16s can watch for £5 from any stand.

What you get: Junior and Mini Hatters receive gifts and can meet the players.

Tickets 0161 286 8888, stockportcounty.com. Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK3 9DD.

The family lounge has face-painting, competitions, sweets and the chance to meet players. The Smile Family Block in the Popular stand is next to the famous Cheadle End, which holds 5,000 fans and is famed for its clever rather than rude songs. The ground is close to buses, station and motorway.

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