Sunday 9th October saw players from the Aylesbury Vale Dynamos FC’s U9, U10 and U12 Girls teams travel to Grosvenor Vale to support Watford FC Women in their home match against Plymouth Argyle Women FC.
The girls were invited to be mascots for the game following a player appearance the month before from Watford Women and Wales player, Helen Ward. Helen came down to training at Haywood Way to talk to the girls about her experiences of playing football, answer questions and pose for photos. At the end of the Q&A, Helen presented Watford super-fan, 'Jess the Junior Hornet', with a shirt signed by all the Watford Women players.
Before the game started, the Dynamos girls got to watch the players warm up and speak to some of the resting players. The girls then lead the Watford Women players out onto the pitch before heading to the stands to watch a thrilling 5-1 win by the Golden Girls. After the match, the players posed for photos and signed the girls’ programmes. U10’s player, ‘Jess the Junior Hornet’, had designed and printed her own Watford Women player cards which she got signed by all the players.
U9s player, Lilly Sunderland, enjoyed her matchday experience. "I was so excited to be a mascot for Watord Women," said Lilly. "I was thrilled to meet the players and get their signatures. They played so well and I was amazed by the final score! I want to be just like them one day."
Her fellow U9’s player, Leah Miller, also enjoyed being a mascot and cheekily asked Gemma Davison if she could have her shirt after the game. "I had lots of fun with my friends getting signatures," said Leah. "Gemma was really nice to me and asked who I support: we both support Arsenal. She said 'I will give you my shirt at the end of the season and I’ll shake your hand so I will remember you’. I loved being a mascot and I am now a mini-Watford fan."
Dynamos coach Hayley Thomas, who played for Watford Women from the age of 10 to 17, was highly complimentary of the club and everything they had done for the Dynamos girls. "We can’t thank Watford Women enough for inviting the Dynamo girls to be mascots for the game," said Hayley. "The players and coaching staff were excellent, taking time to speak with all the girls, giving lots of advice and staying behind for photos and autographs. Smiles did not leave the girls’ faces all day and we can’t wait to return to Grosvenor Vale to cheer on the Golden Girls again."
Many thanks to all the girls, coaches and families that travelled to Grosvenor Vale to show their support for Watford Women. A big Dynamos thank you to all the Watford Women players and staff, including Laura, Dave, Elliot and Mel, for making the girls feel so welcome and giving them an experience they will never forget. Finally, thank you to matchday photographers, Andrew and Darren, for kindly sharing their photos.
Click here to view the parents’ photos.
Click here to view Andrew Waller’s photos.
Click here to view Darren Campbell’s photos.
Click here to view the photos from Helen Ward’s player appearance.