Former footballer Gary Neville and spin doctor Alastair Campbell are giving people the opportunity to enjoy a hospitality experience for Burnley FC’s Premier League match against Manchester United.

The giveaway is to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Burnley being named the most enterprising area in Britain back in 2013.

It has received the backing of former Manchester United right-back Neville, who is now a TV pundit following a short-lived managerial career, and Campbell, a proud Claret who is best known for being Tony Blair's director of communications and is now a writer and podcast host.

The pair are asking people under the age of 30 on their X (formerly Twitter) profiles to tell their tales of leadership, whether within their community, workplace, or place of education.

Since 2013, Burnley has undergone a radical transformation, with the expansion of Burnley College and The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the opening of Pioneer Place, purpose-built Sandygate student accommodation, and the acquisition of Charter Walk by Burnley Council to protect its future.

The Most Enterprising Area in Britain award was given for the town’s pioneering Burnley Bondholders scheme, which has seen the public and private sector come together to lobby for investment into the borough.

 

Key achievements over the decade have included getting Pioneer Place off the ground, the opening of the Todmorden Curve direct rail link to Manchester, the redevelopment of Newtown Mill for the expansion of UCLan, and the launch of the Future Leaders programme.

Rachel Bayley, Burnley Place brand manager, said: “Burnley has been on quite the journey these past 10 years.

"We’re hosting an exclusive Burnley Bondholder event this month to celebrate the award milestone but, more importantly, the incredible achievements Burnley has secured since then, and the next generation of enterprise leaders who will take our borough to another level.

“We’re delighted that Gary and Alastair recognise Burnley’s success, the importance of young people, and are supporting the ticket giveaway.

"Both are proud northerners, who also understand the importance of our football club and the investment it has made within our community.”

Russell Ball, director of fan experience at Burnley FC, said: “Nowhere else has fans as passionate as Burnley and it’s been fantastic to see the borough evolve to where it is today over the past decade.

“We’re excited to welcome Manchester United to Turf Moor, as well as the worthy winners of this giveaway.

"As a club, we’re invested in developing the next generation of talent, whether that’s on or off the pitch and within the club or at our external partners.

"We look forward to hearing young people’s inspirational stories of leadership.”

The winners of the giveaway will be announced on Thursday, September 14, after it closes at midday. The match will take place on Saturday, September 23.

Full terms and conditions for the giveaway can be found on the Burnley Council website. It is open to football supporters of any club.