York City are looking to the future with the news announced today that the club will be offering free match tickets for youngsters.

The Minstermen have pledged their support to the new Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow scheme, launched last month by the Nationwide Building Society and the Football League.

The scheme aims to reward youngsters in schools, youth clubs and community groups who have "demonstrated good practice, outstanding personal achievement or undertaken community initiatives" by providing free match tickets.

It is hoped the initiative will enable more than 100,000 youngsters across the country to visit their local team, many for the first time.

Playing their part in the national scheme, City will distribute 25 tickets to seven different schools for the final ten league games of the season - 1,750 tickets in total.

Peter Salter, commercial manager at Bootham Crescent, said: "Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow reinforces our on-going commitment to maintaining strong links with the local community.

"By distributing free tickets to schools and community groups we are able to offer youngsters the chance to see York City live."

FURTHERMORE, for those needing reminders, the first of two kid-a-quid games is hovering into view.

At next Saturday's home game against Cheltenham Town and at the Bootham Crescent encounter with Torquay United on January 12, youngsters under the age of 16 years will be allowed to gain entry to the David Longhurst Stand for just £1 when accompanied by an adult.

Royals clash is fourth of its kind

THIS afternoon's clash with Reading was only the fourth time in City's history that the Minstermen have met the same opposition in the FA Cup in successive seasons.

1934/35 Rd 1 (A) Burton Town W 3-2; 1935/36 Rd 2 (H) Burton Town L 1-5.

1972/73 Rd 1 (H) Mansfield Town W 2-1; 1973/74 Rd 1 (H) Mansfield Town D 0-0. Replay (A) L 3-5.

1984/85 Rd 5 (H) Liverpool D 1-1; Replay (A) L 0-7. 1985/86 Rd 5 (H) Liverpool D 1-1; Replay (A) L 1-3

A REMINDER to City and Tiger fans that the clash between the Minstermen and Hull at Bootham Crescent on Boxing Day is all ticket.

Any supporter wanting to attend the fixture must purchase a ticket in advance.

Tickets for York fans are available from Bootham Crescent ticket office now or on tel 01904 624447 ext 1.

Tickets for away fans are also available, but must be purchased from Hull City's Boothferry Park and cannot be obtained from Bootham Crescent.

THE City club shop will open late in the run-up to Christmas next Thursday, December 13, and on Thursday, December 20.

On both nights the shop will stay open until 8pm, with a number of special offers up for grabs.

The club's new commercial manager, Peter Salter, will also be on hand to chat about the shop and other matters, with drinks and mince pies also being served.

Jeepers 'keepers as Kiely tries to remain positive

CHARLTON'S former York City 'keeper, Dean Kiely, is hoping to hit the right note by writing to himself.

The Republic of Ireland international, who was lining up for the Addicks against Tottenham today, is currently working with sports shrink Keith Power.

Kiely, 31, who has started sticking motivational phrases on his kit, explained: "I have notes in my pocket, boots and gloves to reinforce positive thinking.

"They are key words that make me focus."

STILL on the matter of goalkeepers, ex-Everton and Wales legend Neville Southall, who was an unused Minstermen substitute on four occasions last season, has signed for City's Third Division rivals, Shrewsbury Town.

Southall, 43, who worked as part-time goalkeeping coach at Bootham Crescent last season, has been signed to act as cover for the injured Mark Cartwright and back-up to first choice Ian Dunbavin.

AND yet more shot-stopper titbits... this column learned this week that Stuart Walker, another ex-City 'keeper, is currently physio with Midlands giants Aston Villa.

Former miner Walker, 50, who provided cover for Bootham Crescent legend Graeme Crawford for a couple of seasons in the 1970s, is now treating the likes of Peter Schmeichel, Paul Merson, David Ginola and Juan Pablo Angel.

Walker, who made just two starts for City after signing from Tadcaster Albion in 1975, worked previously as physiotherapist at Hunslet Rugby League Club and was Castleford's physio when they beat Hull KR in the 1986 RL Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

MEANWHILE, City's current number one, Alan Fettis, has made giant strides in the defence of his Evening Press player of the year award.

Although strikers Michael Proctor and Lee Nogan continue to lead from the front, Fettis has moved ominously into third place following his man of the match and three-point display against Colchester followed by a two-point haul at Darlington.

Lee Bullock is hanging on in there, though, after his man of the match performance against the Quakers lifted him into fourth place, while Chris Brass moved up one position with a two-point display against Colchester in the Cup.

Young defender Chris Smith also picked up two points, earning a point a time in the games with United and Darlington.

Latest Standings: Proctor 27pts, Nogan 26, Fettis 20, Bullock 18, Edmondson 16, Brass 13, Fielding 12, Hocking 6, Smith 4, Hobson 3, Howarth 3, Cooper 3, Potter 2, Basham 1, Fox 1.