CHERRIES have backtracked on their decision to include two tickets to women’s team matches in their season ticket package after feedback from supporters.

Separate from the first increase to season ticket prices in eight seasons was the compulsory purchase of two tickets to games involving Cherries’ women’s side, charged at £7 each for adults and £5 for other concessions.

Even before the season ticket renewal window opened there were complaints about the added tickets, with further issues encountered by supporters when trying to purchase their season tickets for the 2023-24 campaign.

However, with two weeks remaining for season ticket holders to renew, the club have decided to make the women’s matches optional.

An excerpt from an email sent out to season ticket holders read: “With two weeks to go until the season ticket renewal deadline, it is encouraging to see that take-up remains on track when compared to this stage last year. We thank those supporters who have already committed to return to Vitality Stadium for 2023/24.
When we announced our renewal process, we added a ticket for each of the two women's team matches at Vitality Stadium as part of the package terms. We had only positive intentions in doing so, with all proceeds going directly into the women's team set-up, along with the development of our girls' programme.

“The growth of women's football is a big priority for us and making the game more accessible by having two home matches at Vitality Stadium is going to help us achieve some of those goals.
 

“We have received feedback from a number of supporters who have felt that inclusion of these tickets should be optional.

“We have listened to their feedback and have decided that the tickets will become optional, and not a required inclusion with your current season ticket. As you click on the renewal window in your account, you will see you have the choice to purchase one or both.
“The initial decision surrounding the women's team ticket bundle was set out in a transparent way, attempting to show our supporters that the women's team, and the women's game in general, has value.

“We stand firm in that conviction but will also consider new and different ways in which to show you that moving forward. We hope to see the attendances and atmosphere across all Vitality Stadium matches be the biggest and most vibrant they can be.”

Those wishing to receive a refund for the women’s tickets can do so by contacting the Cherries ticket office via email at tickets@afcb.co.uk or by phone via 01202 726300.

Fans wishing to receive a refund must make their requests before 5pm on Thursday, June 22.

As part of the Daily Echo annual readers’ survey, fans were asked to submit their thoughts on the price increases to season tickets.

If you have not submitted a response yet, you can offer your thoughts by clicking on this link.