Gavin Baldwin: DNA launch is the next step on an exciting path

Avid Rovers supporter and season ticket holder Sheila Wrathall, 84, of Intake with James Coppinger, during the community event at Intake Library. Picture: Marie Caley

We went to West Road Primary School in Thorne, Intake Community Centre, AFC Bentley and Retford United to show our commitment to the local community. It is always a humbling experience seeing how much community groups gain from spending time interacting with the players.

When playing bingo we met one fan who recently celebrated her 84th birthday, but is still a regular at home and away games. She got a rousing round of applause from the entire first team squad.

We also had players taking part in lessons at West Road Primary School and coaching youngsters at AFC Bentley, while Matty Blair and Andy Butler managed the two sides as our Academy team took on Retford United’s youth teams.

Our players love doing community events such as these, and we used it as a chance to reveal details of our season tickets for next season. As the team continue to forge ahead at the top of League Two the owners have worked tirelessly with the senior management team and, in turn, the Supporters Board to ensure that prices have been frozen for all early bird purchases.

For our loyal fanbase the club is offering all current season ticket holders the opportunity to receive a five per cent discount on their seasonal membership for 2017/18 when purchasing on the first week of sale from Monday. This ensures a price freeze despite what now looks likely to be League One football.

All 17 and unders will be able to purchase a seasonal silver membership (season ticket) for only £30 (just £1.31 per game). New age categories have also been created at 18-21 and 22-24 to lessen the financial strain on the journey of the fan base from teenager to young adult. We want fans to stay on the journey with us, and we know it is not easy when people get to that age.

The new DNA card will come stacked with hundreds of discounts with many local and national brands. We are still finalising the offers for this and expect to confirm more details in the summer.

The vision the owners have for Club Doncaster is really exciting, and these prices and our plans for the DNA card are the next steps on a path which we hope can provide the facilities to sustain Championship football and Super League rugby league. We’re all very excited by the potential, and I can’t wait to see their plans become reality.