DOZENS of deserving causes around Bolton are being given the opportunity to watch Wanderers for free this season.

Yara UK Limited, Environmental Turf Technology (ETT) and the club have joined together to offer around 4,000 tickets to local groups over the next eight months.

This week, 30 children involved with the Bully Free Zone watched Wanderers’ 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.

The independent charity works with local children, parents and teachers, raising awareness of alternative ways to resolve conflict and reduce instances of bullying.

Nicola Schofield, the charity’s executive manager, explained: “We thought it would be nice to come down to the Reebok Stadium and give the young people we are working with a chance to build their self-esteem and have a great day out.

“Often on these kind of activities, the young people are able to form bonds with others in the group and they have been really excited about watching the game.”

Today marks the start of National Anti-Bullying Week and, said Schofield, proved an ideal opportunity to take advantage of ETT’s offer. “It was a great day and we’d like to thank ETT for the chance to watch the game,” she said.

“It just goes to show the young people we are working with at the moment that something genuinely positive can come out of their experience.”

Richard Lawrence, director of ETT Ltd added: “We’re delighted to support the Bully Free Zone and all the other community projects we have been able to help.

“Several thousand children have been able to enjoy a match at the Reebok due to this initiative and we’d also like to thank The Bolton News for their help.”

Anyone involved with a community group, club, charitable organisation or caring for those who need help can apply for tickets either by writing to Community Tickets, Environmental Turf Technology, Southgate Industrial Centre, Morecambe, LA3 3PB, or emailing football@emailett.co.uk.

The Bully Free Zone can be contacted on 01204 454958 or on their website www.bullyfreezone.co.uk