SOUTH AYRSHIRE, U.K.–1st Alliance Credit Union here has entered into a partnership to help finance season tickets for Ayr United Football Club which plays in Scottish League One.
Under the partnership, fans will be able to spread the cost of following United over monthly installments.
“We want to make the cost of watching the football affordable for everyone,” said 1st Alliance’s Craig Potter. “Fans who become members with us will have the option to take a loan in order to pay for their season tickets. A number of different strategies will be available in terms of paying the money back and we think this will be a real hit.”
Under the scheme, United will be guaranteed up-front payments for new season books, then the credit union will work with individual fans to recoup the cost.
“There are clear benefits for both parties and the big thing to stress is that credit unions are for everyone,” said Potter. “Some people perceive them to be for those who are struggling with low incomes, but in reality we have plenty of members who do very well for themselves. We like to think of ourselves as an ethical form of banking where everyone who signs up is a member of the bank and has a real say in its direction.”
The credit union has more than 4,500 members in Ayrshire and assets of £2.2 million.
The credit union will hold an information day at the team’s home field, Somerset Park, to offer more information.