A statement on the Millers official website, www.themillers.co.uk, outlines the scheme and it's benefits to help stay smoke free.
A six figure sponsorship deal, negotiated on behalf of Nicotinell by MEC Sponsorship, will engage the fans of League clubs to help them give up smoking. The campaign will support club communications around the smoking ban and will also provide support and incentives for fans to go smoke free. Nicotinell products will be available in club shops at grounds. In addition, fans will be able to win up to £30,000 for their club and prizes for themselves by going smoke free.
A website http://www.keepthefire.co.uk/ has been created for fans pledging to quit. Fans who register will receive points depending on how their 'smoke free' attempt is progressing.
The points won by successful 'smoke free fans' will be consolidated into a constantly updated league table for each division , and towards the end of the season the two clubs at the top of each division will win a cash prize.The winning clubs will then present three options for spending the money and the fans will choose how the money is allocated. Fans will also benefit by winning training sessions with their clubs
The prizes on offer to clubs and fans are:
Championship
£30,000 for the club + training session for 30 'smoke free fans'
£15,000 for the club + training session for 15 'smoke free fans'
League One
£20,000 for the club + training session for 20 'smoke free fans'
£10,000 for the club + training session for 10 'smoke free fans'
League Two
£15,000 for the club + training session for 15 'smoke free fans'
£10,000 for the club + training session for 10 'smoke free fans'
A spokesperson for Novartis said: "The smoking ban means it's going to be harder than ever for football fans to smoke. It's not easy to quit smoking, but nicotine gum being on sale in grounds should help and perhaps what we might see is a half-time pie and fag being replaced by a pie and pack of Nicotinell.
"This new partnership between Nicotinell and The Football League should benefit everyone. Six clubs will see a cash injection into their club but all clubs should see a more pleasant environment for families to enjoy football and help the long-term health of a club's loyal fan base."
With over 16 million attendees annually The Football League it is the best attended sporting competition in Europe, and it is estimated that up to a quarter of those attending matches are smokers. The Football League has made all club grounds 'smoke free' zones, a decision that exceeds current government legislation in this area.
Commenting on The League's new 'smoke free' policy Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "In re-branding The Football League we made a serious, long-term commitment to encouraging a new generation of supporters to our matches. This is the latest stage in that process.
"We aim to get more families and more young fans going along to watch their local Football League club.This new policy will ensure that doing so does not have a negative effect on their health."