Gerrard backs Tickets for Troops
Steven Gerrard has given his backing to an initiative that will see over 1,000 members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force given free access to Premier League grounds this weekend.
In total, Tickets for Troops will give away over 20,000 match tickets this season to members of the armed forces - and Gerrard is delighted to support the scheme.
He said: "It's fantastic that the Premier League is supporting Tickets for Troops in such a major way and making so many tickets available for members of the British Armed Forces.
"We recognise the very special job they do on behalf of all of us and this is a great way of saying thank you."
The Barclays Premier League has had an association with Tickets for Troops since the 2009-10 season and allocates courtesy tickets for selected home matches to serving members of the British Armed Forces, and all those medically discharged from the forces since the commencement of military action in Afghanistan in 2001.
However, on this special celebratory weekend all the 10 home clubs are giving up part of their allocation to Tickets for Troops.
Perimeter board and match programme space will also be donated to the charity in addition to stadium announcements being made at all 10 grounds, while clubs will also individually highlight the work of the British Armed Forces.
The weekend will also be highlighted by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), which the Premier League provides with free TV and radio rights to Barclays Premier League games.
Richard Scudamore, Premier League chief executive, said: "The Premier League has a longstanding relationship with the Armed Forces with thousands of serving personnel following match action around the world - which we provide for the British Forces Broadcast Service for free.
"Tickets for Troops is an excellent addition to this as it ensures members of the Armed Forces can see the action for real when they can get a chance. I'd like to thank the 20 Barclays Premier League clubs for generously donating over 20,000 match tickets this season."
Tickets for Troops Chairman, Lord Marland, added: "We are hugely grateful to the Premier League and the Premier League clubs for supporting the troops in this way.
"Tickets for Troops provides organisations the opportunity to celebrate the terrific work of our troops and their commitment, resolve and courage to protect our national security.
"The generosity of ticket providers, including the Premier League, has been remarkable and shows the depth and feeling that is felt throughout the country and the desire to support our troops."