A loyal band of expats are doing their bit to boost Dundee FCs attendances next season.
A global network of Dee fans recently formed under the name Exiled Dark Blues (EDB), with the aim of offering continued support for the Dens Park side.
As part of this, 60 members, found in over 20 countries, have set the goal of buying as many Dundee season tickets as they can for disadvantaged youngsters. They have raised an impressive £3,000 in just four days which, through the fan website Dundee Mad, has paid for 150 children’s season tickets.
Lifelong fan Scott Lockie of the Exiled Dark Blues is delighted with what has been achieved but wants to help many others.
He explains that by getting more children through the turnstiles the link between the community and the club strengthens.
”What has struck me is the passion of all these exiles, wanting to make a positive difference, not only for the club but for the next generation of Dundee supporters and young kids in Dundee,” said Mr Lockie, who emigrated to Australia in 1993 but remains an avid follower of Dundee.
”The club is fully behind this initiative and we are working with them to ensure that these kids get a safe, enjoyable, fun-filled day to remember when they attend Dens, and will want to come back year after year.”
Thanks to their efforts the season tickets will be distributed to underprivileged children, who may have disabilities or come from a broken home.
Mr Lockie continued: ”This will get them out and involved in the community, as well as giving them something to look forward to on a Saturday.
”The aim is to house these young fans in a separate part of the stadium, in their own section, where they can create their own unique atmosphere and have a great day out with people just like them.
”Tickets will also be distributed to schools and be given out to students who deserve or have earned a wee treat.”
”I think the reason for the huge success of this initiative so far is that exiles see it as a way of ‘giving back’, as many of their fondest memories of growing up in Dundee.”
Anyone who wants to help the effort can email scott_lockie@hotmail.com