Torquay United Fans Forum

[quote="George"]I seem to remember that when Mike Bateson was chairman, children from a local junior school were invited to attend matches. They were always sat in the family stand accompanied by a teacher or two. Costs nothing, [b]and who knows could start them on a lifetime of supporting the team.[/b][/quote]

Poor little sods ;-)

but seriously - the club needs to do as much of this as it can. TUFC isn't ever going to be a profit machine for an already-wealthy owner, and football clubs are as much as part of the community as any other long-term business. If we can't win the premier league, then we can at least try to become a bigger part of the community and be a force for some good, even if it's only affecting a small number of people at a time. Where's that thumbs up emoticon?

oh, here it is :-D :-D :-D

[EDIT: Just remembered that i was in the Louisa Carey ward myself when i was 13, having my appendix out!]

I seem to remember that when Mike Bateson was chairman, children from a local junior school were invited to attend matches. They were always sat in the family stand accompanied by a teacher or two. Costs nothing, and who knows could start them on a lifetime of supporting the team.

[quote="Yorkieandy"]Great positive post. Embarrassed that nobody has even a response or a kind word.[/quote]

Yes - you're right, Andy. It is rather disappointing that there has been no response to this positive 'off the field' initiative by the club. It is great news that players are being encouraged to be involved in the community and I agree with S4fedrive that it will widen the perspective of young players and hopefully make them realise how fortunate they are to be professional footballers.

I suspect this initiative is being driven by Nicho with the full support of the Board. When Paul Buckle was manager, there was greater involvement by the players visiting schools, hospital etc. Photos of Nicho and Lee Mansell's visits were regularly printed in the Herald Express. So a big thumbs up from me that players are doing extra to promote the club in the community when they finish their training sesions. :-D

Great positive post. Embarrassed that nobody has even a response or a kind word.

Lovely to see our players visiting young Leighton Coyle at the Louisa Carey ward. This is the latest in what seems to be regular visits to schools and the like. Im not sure whos idea this is Nicho or the board but i really applaud this initiative and long may it continue. Not just for the goodwill towards the club but it also gives some perspective on the important things in life for our young players. Makes them better human beings and in my view turns them into a better team.

Mike