On Monday 6th May, hundreds of children got the opportunity to run out onto the pitch, show off their skills, pass, tackle, score, and celebrate wildly at the home of Watford FC – Vicarage Road Stadium.
Unsurprisingly, the May bank holiday was a wet one, but as rain poured down on coaches, players, and the onlooking families, the enthusiasm and excitement of the youngsters shone through.
This annual event hosted by Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust sold out within a matter of days with 80 children taking part in four separate sessions throughout the day. Each 90-minute session included games, drills, and matches led by the Trust’s qualified coaches. There was also time for a tour of the changing rooms, and a chance to walk out of the tunnel to the applause of their adoring crowd, in this case, their proud family members who watched on from the Sir Elton John Stand.
Of course, no event at Watford FC is complete without Harry the Hornet, who made an appearance at the end of each session.
As well as allowing youngsters to play at a professional football stadium and an award-winning pitch that was still in fine form, a testament to the ongoing work of the Hornets’ grounds team, this event also brings in vital funds for the ongoing community work of the Trust. To find out more about the work of the Hornets’ charity visit www.watfordfccsetrust.com
Despite the rain, a post-event feedback survey showed that 95% of attendees rate the day as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ with 75% of those being ‘Excellent’. When asked to rate on a scale of 1-10, how likely it would be to recommend Play Like A Pro (1 being not at all likely and 10 being extremely likely), the event scored 9.4/10. Comments included “Thank you to all those involved in organising this lovely event.” and “My boys had the best time.”, as well as one parent exclaiming “Brilliant day!”. The best feedback, of course, is the smiles from the youngsters taking part, you just have to look through the official photos to see their enjoyment, all of which can be found on the Trust’s Facebook page.
The Trust has an array of football opportunities throughout the year, with holiday courses, matchday packages inclusive of coaching and Watford FC tickets, and events such as Train Like A Pro, and the above-mentioned Play Like A Pro. To keep up to date with these and many more follow @WFCTrust on social media, visit www.watfordfccsetrust.com, or you can contact community@watfordfc.com