NATIONAL Lottery players across Wales are being given the chance to watch their nearest football teams for free as a “thank-you” gift.

This is due to more than £12.5million of National Lottery funding being raised, which helped these community clubs survive when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and football at this level effectively shut down.

The National Lottery Football Weekends campaign across the four home nations will make more than 100,000 tickets available on a “Buy One Get One Free” basis for players for selected matches across three weekends in March and April.

This includes games in the JD Cymru Premier and JD Cymru North and South leagues.

It aims to get people out to watch and really get behind their nearest team, perhaps for the first time, and experience the vital role these clubs play as part of their community.

Thanks to National Lottery players, during the height of the COVID crisis, a total support package of more than £12.5m was made available and proved vital for many clubs across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to survive the loss of essential matchday revenue.

Crowds have since returned to football at this level in huge numbers as people recognise the importance of their football club to their community.

The campaign will be delivered in partnership with the FAW (Football Association of Wales), National League, FA (Football Association), SFA (Scottish Football Association) NIFA (Northern Ireland Football Association) and is also backed by well-known ex-footballers Ally McCoist and Karen Carney.

Noel Mooney, FAW chief executive, said: “National Lottery players have a vital role in supporting our national game, especially at domestic and grassroots level.

“Local football is the very heartbeat of our national game and our communities and this connection between clubs and their local communities needs to be celebrated.

“So many of our players at the top end of the game would not be where they are today without them.

“I urge everyone to get out and support their local side and there is no better time to do it than now."

Ally McCoist, former Scottish international and National Lottery Football Weekends Ambassador added: “In nearly every corner of the country, you will find a football club which does much more than just kick a ball around on a Saturday afternoon.

“These clubs make a difference to so many in their community and they suffered perhaps more than any other part of our game during the pandemic.

“The support of National Lottery players has been crucial in helping them survive and now you can support them again, but this time from the terraces.”

To find out more about The National Lottery Football Weekends and to find your nearest match, visit www.thenationallotteryfootballweekends.co.uk.