Hundreds attend free football and rugby games with our sports partnership project

Hundreds of local people are benefiting from free live sporting events through our sports partnership project.

Working in partnership with football clubs Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe Rugby, the initiative has provided families and individuals with opportunities to attend matches throughout the season.

Beyond the matchday experience, the project is helping people connect with vital services. Across the partnerships dozens have gone on to engage with training, recruitment, counselling and mental health support, showing how the project is acting as a gateway to wider wellbeing and employment opportunities. 

Between January and March 2026, more than 1,100 applications for match tickets were submitted, with the majority coming from tenants and residents in North Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire.

Family tickets proved the most popular across the partnerships, highlighting the importance of these experiences at a time when many households are facing financial pressures.

Many receiving tickets spoke about the value of family time, improved mental wellbeing, and the chance to create positive memories during difficult circumstances, including illness, disability and bereavement.

One recipient described the experience as “incredible,” praising the atmosphere and noting it was their children’s first time attending a live match, while others said the tickets gave them “a reason to get out” or a rare opportunity to enjoy a day out together.

Ashleigh Graves, a single mother, attended with her two sons and sister. Her eldest son, Isaac, is a huge Scunthorpe United fan, and the tickets were a special treat. “The atmosphere of the whole game is one that we’ll never forget,” Ashleigh shared. “I am so grateful to Ongo for these tickets. Paying for every game would be too much, so thank you again, you’ve made my little boy extremely happy!” The highlight? “Seeing the smile on my son’s face when they won! Priceless!”

More feedback can be found here.

We remain committed to developing sports partnerships throughout 2026, working closely with clubs to expand reach, strengthen engagement with support services, and continue delivering positive outcomes for local communities.

For further information on the initiative and how you can apply for tickets, head to: www.ongo.co.uk/sports-partnerships/