2015 ‘Kids Game’ hits new heights
Huddersfield Town gave 200 junior supporters the experience of a lifetime as they took on their First Team heroes on the PPG Canalside pitch at the 2015 #TownXIvs200Kids game on Bank Holiday Monday!
The event, which was sponsored by Practical Car and Van Hire Huddersfield, saw 200 children aged between five and 12 compete against the likes of James Vaughan, Joel Lynch, Sean Scannell, Tommy Smith, Mark Hudson, David Edgar, Alex Smithies, Joe Murphy, Ishmael Miller, Jacob Butterfield, Murray Wallace, Joe Lolley, Oscar Gobern, Harry Bunn and Conor Coady.
Town Manager Chris Powell and Assistant Manager Alex Dyer both also came out of retirement to face off against the kids!
After a warm up and team talk by the Kids Manager - Club Ambassador Andy Booth - the five to eight year-olds were up first at 1pm. There were many notable moments with the seniors being awarded a penalty, although David Edgar had little chance of scoring with 12 goalkeepers in the net as well as Terry the Terrier! James Vaughan scored an unpopular goal, celebrating with his famous corner flag karate kick. Despite this, the players were no match for the kids, with the first half ending 6-3 to the kids.
The second half with the nine to 12 year-olds was just as exciting, with a long range effort from the halfway line by Joel Lynch getting one back for the players to make it 4-1 in that half. Later, referee Gary Kellett had no option but to award two successive penalties to the kids meaning the half ended 6-1 with the final score 12-3 to the kids!
Click HERE to view our Facebook gallery from the day!
The fun started early with each child receiving a goody bag including a personalised shirt, Ice Valley water, Fruitypot jelly squeeze and an autograph sheet signed by all the players.
Town’s community team helped with the pre-match build-up, setting up several a speed gun, the PPG Paint Pot and face painting along with the ever-popular Terry the Terrier.
The Club even provided team sheets including the names of every child that participated as a memento!
After the game Chris Powell and Alex Dyer presented each child with a medal for taking part.
Town’s Club Ambassador and Kids Team Manager Andy Booth told htafc.com:
“My debut as a manager couldn’t have been better! My team triumphed 12-3 overall, and it was an absolutely fantastic day for all involved.
“Huddersfield Town prides itself on being both a family and a community club and it firmly proved that yesterday. I hope all the kids and their parents enjoyed what was truly a special event.”
Town Manager Chris Powell added:
"This was a really special day at a very special club. I've never seen anything like this before, but it was great to give something back to the Club's young supporters and it was fantastic to see our players really get into the spirit and enjoy the afternoon. I'm sure the kids will have memories to last a lifetime."
Town has already received some great feedback from parents, with feedback coming through on the hashtag #TownXIvs200Kids on Twitter!
“Our children took part in the wonderful event yesterday. It put a smile on our faces, even a tear in the eye and yet again proved what a wonderful club HTAFC is. The players were first class.”- Richard, dad to an eight and six year-old.
2015/16 Season Cards for juniors are on sale now - click HERE for info!
For more information on event sponsors Practical Huddersfield, click HERE.
