Scottish football fans across the nation will have the opportunity to receive two-for-one entry to local football clubs in March and April, thanks to a partnership between the Scottish FA and the National Lottery.

A celebration of non-league clubs across the UK, the National Lottery Football Weekends ticket offer is intended as a thank you to National Lottery players who helped keep clubs going during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In October 2020, the National Lottery provided more than £12.5 million to support local and non-league clubs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and has also supported grassroots and community football with £200 million in funding since 1995.

With a halt in the football calendar resulting in no gate revenue, funding through National Lottery players provided welcome financial assistance to many local football clubs across the UK.

As a thank you for the essential support, 231 clubs in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are now taking part in The National Lottery Football Weekends. Each club will, for one home fixture in March or April, run a special ‘Buy One Get One Free’ ticket offer for National Lottery players to watch their local team and experience the vital role these clubs play as part of their local community.

In Scotland, the participating clubs are in the Highland League, Lowland League, East of Scotland Premier Division, West of Scotland Premier Division and South of Scotland League.

In addition to the Scottish FA, the campaign will be delivered in partnership with the National League, The FA, FAW (Football Association of Wales) and IFA (Irish Football Association) and is backed by Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke and Scotland legend Ally McCoist.

Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke: “National Lottery players have a vital role in supporting our national game but especially at community level. Grassroots football is the very heartbeat of both our beloved game and our communities, and this connection between local clubs and their 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 with this fantastic offer there is no better time to do so.”

Scotland legend and National Lottery Football Weekends Ambassador Ally McCoist: “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.

“We hope to see as many fans as possible take part in The National Lottery Football Weekends and see how amazing local football is.”

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

Each club will be responsible for distributing tickets for its home match. Details on how to claim will be available from each club. Terms and conditions apply.