England Under 19s play Finland Under 19s at the Wellington ground in next week’s game – and the council has secured 450 tickets to give out to the young of the borough.

350 of the tickets will be issued through schools, youth clubs and scout groups in the following wards: Woodside, Brookside, Cuckoo Oak, Malinslee, College, Donnington, St George’s, Madeley and Arleston.

This will ensure young people in some of Telford’s more disadvantaged areas get to the game.

The remaining 100 tickets will be distributed through similar groups across the rest of the borough.

Councillor Shaun Davies, the cabinet member who has special responsibility for developing links with AFC Telford United, agreed the deal for the tickets to be issued with club chairman Lee Carter.

“This is part of the ongoing work that the council is doing with the club to further strengthen our working relationship and to help the club in its aim to widen participation and profile within our communities,” said Councillor Davies.

“Working closely with the club is very much in keeping with the council’s co-operative values and I’m sure all those with free tickets will contribute to a fantastic atmosphere.

“AFC Telford Utd is probably the most famous co-operative organisation in our town and its only fitting therefore that we as a co-operative council works closely with them”

AFC Telford United chairman Lee Carter said: “We were delighted to help the council with this fantastic initiative. We are like minded co-operative organisations working together for the benefit of our community whilst firmly putting Telford on the map.

“We are both excited and honoured to be hosting such a high profile international game between England and Finland here in Telford and we look forward to welcoming everyone on the night.”

For those paying to get in to the game, tickets are £3 for adults with £1 concessions.