Swansea City is charging more than $600 for a mascot 'package' that is free at most top clubs. GETTY IMAGES
League Championship side Swansea City may play in football's second tier, but it is "charging parents Premier League prices for children to be mascots," according to Matt Lloyd of the BBC. It costs up to £478 ($602) for a matchday mascot "package" at the club. Only three teams in the Premier League "charge more," while the experience is "free at most of the top clubs." Swansea City said that prices were reduced this year "following relegation." Consumer groups have branded the higher prices as "outrageous." West Ham United charges £700 ($882) for matches against the "top six" teams, and less for other opponents. The club also has one free mascot per game. Being a mascot for Everton costs £718 ($904) for two to three fixtures a year, which goes to charity, but is free for other matches. Martyn James, of consumer website Resolver, said, "It's absolutely outrageous that some richer kids can effectively buy their way to the top of the mascot list." Swansea City said that the "truly once in a lifetime experience" includes four hospitality places, a meal and halftime penalty competition on the pitch. Mascots at Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and ManU are "picked at random from their junior fan club and are free" (BBC, 1/1).
