Carlisle United have gained some enthusiastic new fans after a group of schoolchildren from Lancashire joined the Blue Army.
Year Six pupils from Spring Hill Community Primary School in Accrington made a special visit to Brunton Park for Saturday’s game against Stevenage.
The trip was part of a new initiative involving United’s community set-up.
It gave children from an almost exclusively Asian background the chance to experience a game for the first time.
And teacher Pete Scholes, a lifelong Blues fan, said the day was a huge success.
The idea, he said, came from friends Stephen Dunn and Niall McNulty who were looking at ways to promote diversity, equality and opportunity in Carlisle and Cumbria.
Along with Pete, they decided it would be a great idea to bring a group of children up to Carlisle for a game.
“The children chosen were all from year six – 23 of them in the end – and it is fair to say they had never heard of Carlisle, Cumbria or Carlisle United before the visit,” said Mr Scholes.
“Carlisle United were contacted and Ste liaised with John Halpin and the Community Sports Trust team. The club agreed to pay towards the transport, put on a coaching session and tour, and provide free tickets for the children and staff.
“When I told the children about the trip they were ever so excited and we were oversubscribed. Everyone wanted to go.
“The day itself was a huge success. The CUFC staff were absolutely brilliant throughout.”
Mr Scholes said the children enjoyed taking part in coaching sessions, spending their money in the Blues Store and meeting mascot Olga – not to mention cheering United to a 2-1 victory.
The group sat in the Pioneer Stand and had a great view of Joe Riley and Lewis Alessandra scoring the goals that gave Paul Simpson’s team a 2-1 win.
“Both goals were scored right in front of them at the Warwick Road End of the ground,” added Mr Scholes.
“We were even joined for the day by the Mayor of Carlisle, [Pamela Birks, “Mrs Mayor” as the children called her]. They all wanted her autograph and she was absolutely brilliant with the group - so patient and helpful. Her appearance was an unexpected treat for them all.
“The children were in awe of everything – the mountains on the way up, Tebay Services and the ducks, Brunton Park and the game and the noise from the crowd – and they cheered as loud as anyone when we scored. It was so lovely to see.
“They were shattered when the bus pulled up at school but they all had the best day. They might not have heard of CUFC and Carlisle before this trip but they know about them now! They had such a great time.”
Mr Scholes says it is planned to continue developing links between the school and other projects in Carlisle and Cumbria. He also said of headteacher Helen Kershaw: "She was very supportive of the idea and is really keen to give the children as many new life experiences as possible.
“A huge thank you to everyone who made the children so welcome – from the coaches and staff at Carlisle United to every fan who made them feel so welcome and wanted,” he added.
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