Premier clubs which charge children up to £700 to be mascots
MEGA-RICH Premier League football clubs are charging up to £718 for kids to be mascots and lead out their heroes.
Eleven of the 20 charge – telling parents it’s a “once-in-a lifetime opportunity” and an “ultimate gift your child will never forget”.
Prices range from £40 at Burnley to £718 at Everton, our investigation found.
Most deals include kit, signed balls, photos, autographs, tickets and the chance to walk their team out on to the pitch.
But a £225 mascot silver package at Crystal Palace does not include match tickets or kit.
Critics say clubs – who shared £4.5billion in revenue last season – should give the role to deserving children in the community for free.
Martyn James of consumer website Resolver said: “Being a mascot is a way of rewarding young fans. It’s not in the spirit of the game or fair play to allow richer kids to queue jump.”
Clubs which don’t charge include Chelsea, Newcastle, Man City and Man United. Liverpool mascots are picked at random from the junior fan club and Fulham choose ticket holders from a draw.
Burnley, who also offer a £300 VIP Mascot package, and Everton said all proceeds went to support the work of their official Burnley and Everton in the Community charities.
Everton added that junior members can also enter a free draw, and Palace said sick children sometimes got the role for free. CLUBS THAT DON’T CHARGE: Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Huddersfield Town, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Newcastle United, Southampton. Prices show most expensive mascot package