Reading Football Club welcomed more than 500 local children from schools and football clubs to the game against Aston Villa on Saturday (February 2).

They were able to attend thanks to the club's School and Grassroots Ticketing Scheme, which enables clubs and schools to buy match tickets at discounted rates while raising funds for their organisation at the same time.

The club have welcomed families from 68 different local schools and clubs to Royals matches this season using the scheme .

More than £6,500 was given by Reading FC to schools and local clubs in and around the Reading area last year, and the club would like to beat that total this season.

On Saturday, the Eamonn Dolan Stand was filled with more than 500 young Royals from the area, who were backing the boys and making plenty of noise.

There was even fun to be had before the game - Reading defender John O'Shea visited the Fun Zone to take part in activities ahead of the match.

One of the scheme’s users, Matt Whidett, of Meadow Vale Primary School said: “The Reading FC Schools Scheme is a win, win, win.

"People get to support their local club, parents are given an affordable way to take their kids to see football at a state-of-the-art stadium and to cap it all our school makes money on tickets sold.

"It amazes me that it’s so easy to sign up and administer - it makes us look great, the parents love it and we’re raising money.”