First Bus and Huddersfield Town lift trophy for bringing families to first-time match

An initiative by Huddersfield Town and First Bus which has helped hundreds of families to experience their first ever live football match has won the club national recognition from the English Football League (EFL).

The Terriers won the EFL Fan Engagement Award for the travel partnership with First Bus, which was created to support access to sports and culture in disadvantaged surrounding areas.

More than 320 people making up families from Batley, Dewsbury, Soothill, Thornhill and Ravensthorpe have enjoyed the experience and thrill of matchday at the Accu Stadium during the season.

The latest trip was arranged for Huddersfield Town’s final home game against Manfield Town on Saturday 25 April.

A group of 105 from Soothill Community Association boarded an electric bus at the community centre for the journey.

Star players and Terry the Terrier surprise visitors

On arrival at the stadium, the children and parents enjoyed a range of pre-match activities organised by the club. These included visiting the community hub, where families played table football and PlayStation games.

Halal food vendors and prayer facilities were available to add to the welcome.

Midfielder Cameron Ashia and club mascot Terry the Terrier also surprised the families, joining in for photos and autographs and handing out goodies from Huddersfield Town and First Bus. Star players from other visits include another midfielder,  David Kasumu who met with schoolchildren when Plymouth Argyle were the opponents last November.

Suleman Aswat from Soothill Community Association said: “This was a really special trip and for many this would not have been possible due to financial barriers and a lack of awareness about access to such opportunities.

Confidence, belonging and inclusion

“Families experienced first-hand the cultural, social and sporting benefits of a live football match. It was a really positive occasion, helping to gain confidence and develop a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion within the wider community.”

Suelman added that several children who previously showed little interest in football are now big fans. “This demonstrates the lasting impact of the initiative beyond the day itself,” he added.

During the season, as well as Soothill Community Association First Bus and the club have arranged visits from Thornhill Junior & Infants School in Dewsbury and St. John’s Primary School.

Huddersfield Town used the day to share in the EFL award with First Bus.

Joe Morphet from First Bus said: “Working with the club in communities is a new aspect of our partnership. This has given us the opportunity to bring a first-time experience to many families and their reaction to the trips has been fantastic.”

Mubs Mahmed, Community and Social Value Manager, added: “These visits have proven to be wonderful days but this is more than just football, offering an important social outing at a time when many families are experiencing financial hardship and social isolation.”

Callum Limb, Partnerships Manager at Huddersfield Town, said: “It’s great to team up with First Bus on initiatives such as this that genuinely benefit the wider community. Working together to offer free travel and match tickets is a fantastic way to help more people experience what our club is all about.

“We share a strong commitment with First Bus to supporting our local communities and it’s brilliant to see that come to life through activities like this.”

Robyn Kennerdale, Head of Supporter Experience at Huddersfield Town, added: “It has been wonderful to welcome so many young supporters. For many, it was their first ever Town match, which is such a big moment. Our goal is always to make that first visit feel exciting, welcoming, and unforgettable, and together with First Bus we hope we helped create a lasting connection to the club.”

Picture captions:

First Bus EFL Fan Engagement2: Cameron Ashia surprises young fans as the bus arrives at the stadium.

First Bus EFL Fan Engagement3: The team from Huddersfield Town with mascot Terry The Terrier and Cameron Ashia welcome Soothill Community Association to the Accu Stadium.

First Bus EFL Fan Engagement4: (L-R) Annabelle Williamson, Partnership Executive, Cameron Ashia, Joseph Morphet and Lisa Bottomley, Group Ticket Sales Executive show off the EFL Fan Engagement Award.

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