A group of young Boro fans had a big shock this afternoon when some of their footballing heroes turned up on their doorsteps to hand-deliver their season tickets.
Between them Jon Ashton, Jordan Burrow, Matt Ball, Oumare Tounkara, Lucas Akins, Steve Arnold, Darius Charles, Greg Tansey and Luke Jones visited addresses across the area, presenting season tickets for the forthcoming campaign to a number of surprised U12 and U21 fans. This included Michael in Hertford, pictured above!
Players happily posed for photos, signed shirts and other memorabilia and chatted to each of the youngsters and their families during the visits.
Robert Butterfield, whose son Jamie (pictured below) received his season ticket from skipper Jon Ashton and Jordan Burrow in Hertford this afternoon, said, “Jamie is over the moon after today’s visit. Jon Ashton is his favourite player so for him to turn up on the doorstep and give him his season ticket book was brilliant. The club also went that little bit extra and hand-delivered our two new shirts which was great. Both players were superb and I can’t thank the club enough for doing this – it was a great thing to happen.”
Marketing Manager Dave Toyn comments, “We wanted to do things a bit differently with some of our younger season tickets holders this year, so what better way to thank them for their support than by organising these personal player visits. The whole afternoon has been a big success with plenty of smiles from our young fans and their families alike. It’s a moment they’ll remember forever and it helps create a real feel-good factor around the club.
“A big thank you goes to all the players who were fantastic and were happy to give up their time to come and visit the youngsters. In fact I know when Graham asked which players would like to volunteer for this afternoon, every single member of the squad put their name forward! It just goes to highlight what a brilliant, considerate and caring group of players we have here at the club."
He added, “It’s often highlighted in football how detached players can become from their fan base but we know that’s simply not the case here at Stevenage, with this afternoon being a case in point. Throughout the season players will be taking part in hundreds of school visits and be making appearances at other local events too as we look to further strengthen the club’s ties with its supporters past, present and future.”
A selection of photos from today can be found below with more available to see on the club's official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/stevenagefcofficial
Abbie receives her season ticket from Lucas Akins, Matt Ball and Oumare Tounkara in Stevenage
Steve Arnold and Darius Charles present Bradley with his season ticket in Hatfield
Adam and Joshua got a visit from Oumare, Matt and Lucas too
George and his whole family were delighted to meet the boys
Luke Jones and Greg Tansey visit Thomas in Biggleswade