Burnley Football Club's unique support for these campaigns means that young people are being encouraged to use condoms, thereby helping prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.
A club spokesman said: "We are delighted to back these important health issue campaigns and see this as a clear role in our bid to walk the extra mile, be at the centre of the community and to be the club for its people. We pride ourselves on being a central part of the town, identifying with its needs, and supporting all community and local initiatives."
There were perhaps wry smiles and some embarrassment when condoms were handed out for the first time to fans as they left the game after the first initiative last season, with many fans thinking just what has this got to do with football; but after the Sheffield Wednesday game, the second time that the club was involved, the feed-back was 100% positive. The teams who issued the condoms reported that there was a greater keenness on the part of fans of all ages to avail themselves of the offer. Indeed, it was seen as a positive sign that some fans asked for two.
The club and the Condom Collective were grateful to Adam Blacklaw whose picture was featured on the first condom, and to Graham Alexander who was featured on the second. Now, they wish to announce another and even more ambitious programme. Burnley Football Club and the Condom Collective plan to make use of the 50th anniversary of the winning of the Football League Division One Championship in 1959/60, as part of the next 'safe sex' campaign.
During the 2009/2010 season, condoms will be given out after twelve of the games. Each condom packet will feature a different player from the team of 1959/60. Starting with Adam Blacklaw again, one by one each of the regular members of the team will be featured: Alex Elder, John Angus, Tommy Cummings, Brian Miller, Jimmy Adamson, Brian Pilkington, Jimmy Robson, Ray Pointer, Jimmy McIlroy and John Connelly. The twelfth packet will feature Trevor Meredith, who, whilst he did not play very often in that memorable season, did score the goal at Maine Road in May 1960 to clinch the title.
Not only that; but a full set of the twelve different condoms will be available for purchase in a special presentation box. The box lid will feature a full colour team group portrait, and the box will contain a copy of the famous picture of Ray Pointer watching the first goal being scored by Brian Pilkington, and each picture will be signed by at least one of the players. The theme and logo for the campaign, the individual packs, and the full boxed set, will be 'SCORING THE RIGHT WAY'.
At a game to be chosen during season 2009/2010 a special commemorative bright green kit will be produced bearing the logo and will be worn for one game only. The shirts will then be auctioned in the same way as the shirts worn during the Arsenal Carling Cup tie.
Only 1,000 of the special presentation packs will be on sale and these will be available at the start of next season in August. It is expected that these will become highly prized collectors' items and they are sure to sell very quickly. The proceeds from these sales will go into the newly established 'LET'S BEAT CHLAMYDIA' support fund. This will enable condom machines to be sited at a small number of key locations in the town, one of them at Burnley Football Club next to the ticket office.
Priced at £12.99, orders can be sent from today to the Commercial Department at Burnley Football Club. Only one application per person will be accepted.
In addition, each person ordering a boxed set will be entered into a draw and 5 winning people will receive a copy of the new book 'Never Had It So Good', to be published this August. This new publication tells the story of how a small town like Burnley was able to produce a team that from 1959 to 1962 was the envy of the football world.
Burnley Football Club is proud that it now helps the community with weddings, funerals, business conferences, cash machines, loans, heating bills, education, and now the ready availability of condoms.