Community | Making memories at our next two home games

We have a number of junior teams with us over our next couple of home games as part of our ever-popular matchday mascot experience.

For Saturday’s home game against Chertsey Town, we are joined by youngsters from Longford Clarets U8s, Longford Blues U8s, Longford Greens U9s and Longford Blues U9s.

The U8 Clarets and Blues are in the U8 Development Cheltenham Youth League, whilst the U9 Greens are in their first season in the Cheltenham Youth League. The U9 Blues are looking to join the League next season.

Meanwhile, for Tuesday’s game against Farnham Town, we welcome the Gloucester City AFC U13s, who have built on last season’s second-place finish and are unbeaten so far this term.

“The lads are flying so far this season,” said proud U13s coach, Lee Wood. “After finishing as runners-up last season, the squad has strengthened brilliantly and the hard work is showing.

“We’re unbeaten in the league, with just one loss all season, and the boys are playing with confidence, team-work and real joy.

“Every week they’re improving, pushing each other, and showing exactly what it means to play for the badge. With this attitude and spirit, there’s no reason we can’t go one better and bring home the league title this time around.

“We’ll keep believing, keep working and just enjoy every moment.”

The matchday mascot package is an extremely popular aspect of our matchday experience here at The KMM Energy Stadium.

For each home game we invite a local grassroots club along to sample at close-quarters the thrill of a matchday.

The youngsters get a tour of the dressing room, the chance to meet the players and coaching staff and then walk out with the team ahead of the match.

They also have the opportunity to take part in activities on the pitch as part of the half-time entertainment.

This package has proved extremely popular, not only amongst those youngsters involved but also their coaches and parents.

For our last home game against Havant & Waterlooville, we were joined by Longford Greens U8s, Longford Blues U10s, Longford Greens U10s and Longford U11s.

“All of the children had an amazing time and it was a great opportunity for them as a club,” said coach, Chris Ovens. “Their day went really well from the moment we first arrived to the end and three points!

“We were made to feel so welcome by everyone at the club and it was greatly appreciated.

“For the teams to be able to go into the dressing room and meet the players as well as playing footpool with them is something they will never forget.

“They also got to see how the scoreboard and announcements were made, warm-up on the pitch alongside the players ahead of the game and then take part in the half-time entertainment – what a day!

“It’s so important for local junior clubs to have the chance to experience opportunities like this. The children were very inspired by meeting real footballers and haven’t stopped talking about it since!

“The parents and coaches loved the experience too; it’s such a welcoming family feel at Gloucester City AFC and I think you’ve definitely gained a few more fans!”

The majority of home games between now and the end of the season are already taken, but please contact: matchday@gcafc.co.uk for availability.