TRANMERE Rovers' chairman Mark Palios has praised the generosity of fans and players who have raised more than £10,000 for a scheme giving disadvantaged children a chance to watch live football at Prenton Park.

The #SWA2 fund was set up last summer, to allow children to attend live football matches with their parents or carers.

So far £4,800 worth of tickets have been used by 30 different organisations including Leasowe Community Centre, Wirral YMCA, Beechwood Community Trust, Wirral Autistic Society, St James Centre, Healthwatch Wirral and Youth Federation.

Tranmere Rovers Supporters Club and Tranmere Rovers Trust were joined in making donations of £3,000 by the first team squad at Prenton Park, while local businesses have helped push the total raised into five figures.

Any unused funds at the end of 2015-16 will be carried over to next season, with the club aiming to expand the scheme further to include additional good causes and continue to raise funds for the initiative going forward.

Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios said: "We have been delighted with the backing we've had from our fans, players and the local business community for our #SWA2 ticket initiative and hope it will continue.

"We are a club at the heart of our community, so I'm particularly pleased that #SWA2 has allowed us to reach some groups who have previously had little or no contact with us.

"We've distributed thousands of tickets to good causes throughout the season and have received a lot of very positive, and at times moving, feedback from groups and individuals who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to attend our games."

Nigel Hughes, chief executive of Wirral YMCA, says he has seen a very positive impact from the youngsters they have been able to bring to Prenton Park.

He added: "When you don't have a lot in the world, or at times when you are feeling at a low ebb, getting the opportunity to go to watch your local team can be a huge boost and lift.

"The #SWA2 initiative has been a greatly appreciated act of kindness and generosity for many that the YMCA comes into contact with.

"Given all the negative press that seems to surround football at times, it is heart-warming to see such positive action from a respected local club like Tranmere Rovers."

Mark Bartley, chairman of the Official Tranmere Rovers Supporters Club, said: "In an era where Premier League clubs are starting to price fans out of attending, it is refreshing to see Tranmere Rovers and our fans running initiatives such as this in order to allow younger fans, who might not be able to access the game, a chance to come along and experience live football.”

Organisations who wish to benefit from the #SWA2 ticket scheme should email christiner@tranmererovers.co.uk

Supporters can continue to donate to the fund in the Club Shop at Prenton Park or online at www.eticketing.co.uk/trfc/details/event.aspx?itemref=2393.