As part of the continuing "I'll Be There" campaign which reaches out to the different areas and supporters within the community, Cardiff City are acknowledging the Emergency Services.
South Wales Emergency Services will be given a ticket-load of thanks from Cardiff City FC when they entertain Doncaster Rovers in their second home match of the Championship season on Saturday 21 August, 3pm.
The Bluebirds have put 999 match-tickets on sale at £9.99 each (£5.00 concessions) for members of staff and their families working for the Welsh Ambulance Services, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police and Coastguards.
Cardiff City FC Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins said: "It's one way the club has of thanking the emergency services for all their hard work and care here at the Cardiff City Stadium, within the capital itself and across South Wales. Their work often goes unrecognised, so this is an opportunity to say a big 'thank you' for their efforts and dedication 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year. Of course, without them we couldn't have a matchday."
The "I'll Be There" campaign means so much more than a marketing slogan and the work of the Emergency Services epitomises the sentiment behind the project.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the stadium's ticket office in person, with a valid staff ID card. Adults £9.99, Children/Students/OAPs £5.00.
Gordon Roberts, Acting Regional Director Welsh Ambulance Services commented; "Recognition like this is much appreciated by our staff. The Welsh Ambulance Services along with the other emergency services have a close relationship with Cardiff City FC and it's a nice thought on the part of the club. We wish the Bluebirds every success for the coming season."
Kevin Barry, Deputy Chief Fire Officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said; "We are pleased to support an event that recognises the hard work that is undertaken by our staff and all the emergency service personnel in South Wales throughout the year".
Chief Superintendent Bob Tooby of South Wales Police said; "We are extremely fortunate to have an excellent working relationship with the staff at Cardiff City Stadium and look forward to the new season ahead. Both my staff and my colleagues at the other emergency services are grateful for this kind gesture.
"The football club has gone through some particularly hard times notwithstanding the recent photo-finish for promotion, but I can honestly say, having worked closely with the stadium management team at the club, they have remained totally positive."
Scott Young, Head of the Cardiff City Community Foundation enthused: "The I'll Be There campaign this season will reach out to all areas of South Wales and the different supporter groups. The Club recognising the Emergency Services is another facet of the project and relates to the ethos of the campaign in terms of being there no matter what. The work the Emergency Services undertake should be acknowledged and applauded as they are true Ambassadors of the local community. In fact we had to delay the photo shoot as the Fire Service had to attend a call.
"Coming from the Valleys myself it's important that the Club reach out and engage with the whole community and this campaign certainly ticks all the boxes."
The scheme has been recognised on a national scale and Gavin Megaw, Director of External Affairs at The Football League said: "It is great to see Cardiff City recognising our emergency service heroes with this innovative and worthy scheme. Well done to the club for taking such a commitment and I would encourage all fans in the area to show their support in any way they can."
