Our squad of two dozen players tipped the attendance over the 4,000 mark and proudly led the players out onto the pitch waving flags before kick-off. Fully kitted out in Saints Blue kit sporting their sponsor Castle Clinic’s logo, the kids absolutely loved it and got a real buzz from the experience and atmosphere.

Town went a goal down in the first half, but at half time, our squad showed off their silky skills with a mini-match which lifted the spirits of the large crowd. Taking their seats for the second half, our U7s cheered Town on but despite Oldham getting a player sent off, Town couldn’t get a vital equaliser.

U7s’ Team Manager Paul McGuigan said “The kids had a fantastic time today and for some it was their first experience of a professional match. All of them did the Saints proud and we can’t thank Harrogate Town enough for making it happen.”

Paul, like several other BSJFC managers in the past, made it happen by getting directly in touch with Harrogate Town. We have a great relationship with our League Two club and our junior squads have been mascots and flagbearers in the past at the stadium on Wetherby Road. If your child would like to enjoy this experience in the future, please ask their Team Manager.

BSJFC is also a partner of Harrogate Town AFC’s Kick Back Scheme. Sponsored by Harrogate-based Synergy Car Leasing, this is a partnership scheme between Harrogate Town and local Junior Football Clubs across the Harrogate District. It is designed to make watching Harrogate Town matches more accessible and connects the club with young local grassroots talent.

The scheme has been nominated for The Grassroots Initiative of the Year Award at the prestigious Global Football Industry Awards in London later this month.

Junior Club Partners benefit from complimentary match day tickets to every home league fixture making matches more accessible for young grassroots players to attend. Junior Clubs get to meet and greet players, and feature in the matchday programme and on the scoreboard.

Clubs like the Saints can also earn 20% cashback from any additional ticket sales sold through their partnership with Town. This cash is given back to the Junior Clubs to reinvest in anything they need such as kit, transport or training equipment.

In fact, this year, under the Kick Back Scheme, BSJFC received a big cheque for £421 at our annual Gala Day.

For more details of the Kick Back Scheme, click here or email emilyelmes@harrogatetownafc.com.