You may have noticed we had one or two younger supporters fulfilling a few roles on Saturday.
Peterborough United staged their very first 'Junior Takeover' at the ABAX Stadium last Saturday with a number of Junior Posh members taking on a few very important match day roles.
Charlie Cross (8) worked alongside regular match day announcer Ben Stevenson and announced the team line-ups and the goalscorers over the tannoy to nearly 5,500 supporters with confidence. Charlie's favourite player is Michael Bostwick. Alongside completing his duties both on the pitch and in the commentary box, Charlie met the full first team squad, obtained autographs and met the coaching staff.
Ethan Day (7) submitted a wonderful poem as his entry to work alongside regular Kit Man Dan Wood and he was one of the first arrivals at the ABAX Stadium - joining Dan at 11am to get the kit ready for the first team squad. From helping to pump the balls up, to collecting the balls following the warm-up on the pitch, Ethan was kept extremely busy but he did get the chance to obtain autographs from the players in the dressing room. Ethan's entry poem is below;
Just the right shirt on the peg and the right boots
Under the bench
Nice and Neat, ready for the team.
I love Peterborough United and would love
Organising the team kit
Ready for the big kick-off
Pick me and I'll be
Outstanding - You'll see, I'll
Smash it, and I will remember the day I
Helped the POSH be at their best!
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Tyler Lenton was our Junior Press Officer for the day, learning about the match day responsibilities, including updating social media and compiling a match report. Tyler then had the chance to interview Posh centre back Jack Baldwin who gave him plenty of advice for the future. Tyler also met the players and obtained autographs and had pictures taken with a number of them.
And finally, 8-year-old Harrison Jones took on the very important role of Junior Manager for the day. A member of the Posh under 8s, Harrison arrived at the ABAX Stadium after a busy morning of playing for the club at Bourne (they drew 2-2) but he had come very prepared. Harrison had picked his preferred starting line-up and formation and was invited into the manager's office to discuss those tactics with Grant McCann. The Posh-mad youngster was then invited into the dressing room to meet the players, obtain autographs before joining the two captains and coaches for the team-sheet exchange. Harrison then watched the warm-up and had a kickabout on the hallowed turf.
Junior Posh co-ordinator Phil Adlam said: "It is the first time that the club has attempted a Junior Takeover and I am delighted to say that it won't be the last. All four Junior Posh members had a great time, working behind the scenes and seeing how a match day takes shape. I would like to thank, in particular, Dan Wood, Ben Stevenson, Grant McCann, the players and everyone at the club who made our guests feel very welcome."