Charlton Trip for Tankerton Girls U11s

On Saturday 14th April 2018 I had the pleasure of taking Tankerton Girls Under 11s to The Valley to watch Charlton play Scunthorpe. For many of the girls it was their first opportunity to experience a football match being played in a stadium.

It was a noisy affair that started on the minibus, as there were more than several very excited girls. Having arrived at the stadium we had a picnic just outside and, of course, had to pose for a few photos.

Once inside we found our seats and watched some of the pre-match mini games. The girls found their voices here, shouting and screaming their encouragement to the teams. There were some great goals being scored as well.

We were met by Callum (our contact from Charlton) and he gave us better seats that were pitch-side.

The team wore their Tankerton FC kit for the day, as it wasn't just watching the game; they were flag-bearers for Charlton as the teams came onto the pitch. Callum sorted the girls out with their flags and then sent them off along the edge of the pitch. Our girls waved their flags with great enthusiasm as the teams came out.

Then it was back to our seats for the match. It was then that I appreciated the power of paracetamol as I have never heard the girls shout so much!! The chants of "RED ARMY, RED ARMY" still resonate in my head as I recall the day! Thankfully we were graced with some beautiful sunshine as it was a glorious, warm day. Unfortunately Charlton lost the game 1-0 but we all had a truly memorable day and one that the girls will remember for a lifetime.

My thanks go to Andy Davidson and Heineken who were behind making it such an enjoyable experience for us all. Also thanks to Sarah & Martin for joining me on the day and helping with the girls.

Al Beesley
Tankerton Girls U11s Manager