A Liverpool football travel firm have explained why they are taking youngsters to next week's Champions League clash in Madrid for free.
Football Travel Limited was launched last season by a group of local match-going Liverpool supporters and have already gained a positive reputation after successfully running trips to domestic and European away matches.
They are running a day trip to the first leg of Liverpool's Champions League last 16 knock-out tie away to Atletico Madrid and are offering any accompanied under-12s a free flight, with fans group Spion Kop 1906 also providing a free scarf and stickers for the youngsters.
Matt Gostelow from Football Travel Limited told the ECHO that as the match falls during half-term week they wanted to encourage as many kids as possible to enjoy the experience of a Liverpool European away.
He said: "Even without a ticket Madrid is a brilliant city to visit, there are plenty of family friendly bars and restaurants and they will still feel part of a Liverpool away day.
"There’s always great excitement at the airport and on the plane on the journey over – and the square is always great fun in the day. The match is only part of a European away.
"As it is quite rare for a Champions League game to fall when the schools are out we wanted to - inspired by other supporter-led initiatives - help kids be part of the experience.
"We have discounted the under 18 price to £269, but wanted to go even further – so anyone under 12 will go completely free and we’ll pay all handling fees, taxes etc for them out of our own pocket.
"We have chartered a 200 seater jet – which is just for Liverpool supporters. It is a day return so returns after the match, we have laid on free buses from the match for those lucky enough to have a ticket.
"It is a long-day for everyone, but you save money on hotels etc and as it is half-term the young ones can have extra rest the following day.
"The fact that the weather is forecast to be late teens and bright sunshine next week adds to the occasion.
"We are a supporter based initiative. We are a Liverpool based firm, ran by Liverpool supporters, flying from Liverpool. The four of us involved with the business are die-hard Reds, home and away.
"It really promises to be a great trip – and we still have some spaces so would encourage anyone still looking to travel to get on board!"
Football Travel Limited can be contacted on 0151 305 0295 and Footballtravelltd@outlook.com.
