Carlisle United players Luke Armstrong, Ryan Galvin, Harvey Bunker and Archie Mair visited James Rennie School on Wednesday 4 November, spending time with pupils and staff as part of the club’s ongoing commitment to making football more accessible and inclusive.
The four first-team players took part in a question-and-answer session, giving pupils the opportunity to get to know the players, ask questions and share their own Carlisle United kit designs.
The visit built on the school's involvement in United's Community Ticket Scheme, sponsored by The Cumberland Building Society, which gives local schools and community groups opportunities to experience matchdays at Brunton Park.
Pupils from James Rennie School also attended United's recent home fixture against Kidderminster Harriers, helping to strengthen their connection with the club beyond the classroom.
Chris Steele, James Rennie School Teacher, highlighted the importance of these experiences for pupils.
“I think inclusion is really important for us. To get the opportunity to come to the game was fantastic.
“For us, it's mainly about inclusion and feeling part of the wider community.”
The impact of the scheme has been particularly significant for one pupil, Layla Nicol, whose mum Ailsa shared her experience of seeing her daughter attend a football match at Brunton Park.
Due to Layla's additional needs, the busy environment of a football stadium had previously felt too overwhelming. Her mum explained that although her son had played at half-time at Carlisle United, she had often been unable to attend because taking both children had not been possible.
Ailsa said: “I honestly never imagined I would see the day when Layla would be able to experience the club for herself.
“There she was, absolutely loving every single moment, with the biggest smile from ear to ear.
“Even now, a month on, she still has her match ticket and photograph proudly displayed on her bedroom wall.
“To her, this wasn't just a football match; it was an achievement, a special memory and something she can look at and feel incredibly proud of.”
Lucy Weston, Ticket Office Manager at Carlisle United, said: “The Community Ticket Scheme is about giving more people the chance to enjoy everything that comes with a matchday at Brunton Park.
“We know that attending a football match isn't always straightforward for every family, so it's important that we work with schools and community groups to help make those experiences possible.
“Hearing how much the visit meant to Layla and her family is really great. We want everyone who comes through our turnstiles to feel welcome, and hopefully these experiences encourage more children and families to come back and enjoy football with us.”
Carlisle United CEO Tom Lawrence added: “We want Carlisle United to be a club that everyone across our community can feel part of, and stories like this demonstrate just how important that is.
“Football has a unique ability to bring people together, but we also recognise that there can be barriers that prevent some people from enjoying it. It's our responsibility to work to remove those barriers and make our club as welcoming and accessible as possible.
“Our relationship with James Rennie School is a great example of what we want to achieve, creating meaningful opportunities both at Brunton Park and out in the community.
“We're grateful to The Cumberland Building Society for supporting the Community Ticket Scheme and helping us make a positive difference to more children and families.”
The Community Ticket Scheme forms part of Carlisle United's wider commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment, ensuring more people across our community have the opportunity to feel part of United.
Email ticketoffice@carlisleunited.co.uk if you would like your school or grass roots team to take part.