Brentford’s impressive 5-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers has been hailed as a massive success both on and off the field by the club.
Thomas Frank’s side not only extended their unbeaten run to seven games but ten children, from eight of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s community projects, went behind the scenes during the Championship encounter.
From the press box to football pitch, the youngsters joined matchday staff to learn the ropes as part of the club’s first ever Community Takeover Day.
Highlights included:
- Mini referee Dajahn Lang had the important task of pressing the buzzer and calling the teams before the match began.
- Charlie Wilkins swapped the classroom for the dressing room as he helped prepare the players’ kits with the club’s Kit Man Bob Oteng.
- Leah Hunt wrote the match report in the press box and took over Brentford FC’s Twitter account, which included announcing Ollie Watkins’ goal that brought the score back to 2-2.
- Mia Lloyd helped capture the elation of the Brentford players’ goals as she took on the role of club photographer.
- Isis Cuttings proved a worthy pundit as she described the drama of the match as a matchday commentator on Griffin Park’s gantry.
Meanwhile, Eira Griffiths, aged 12, took on the role of ‘Young Head Coach’, clearly making an impact as the Bees came back from 2-0 down.
Eira, who has been part of the Trust’s girls’ football programme for nearly five years, joined boss Frank and the players on the pitch for the post-match celebrations before heading in to the dressing room where she was presented with a shirt by Neal Maupay.
Talking about the experience, she said: “My favourite part of the day was going into the changing room and seeing what the players get up to before and after the game.”
All the children involved benefit from the Trust’s community projects, which includes supporting young carers, children with autism and young people in the local area.
Donald Kerr, Vice Chairman of Brentford FC and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said: “The Community Takeover epitomises everything Brentford FC is trying to achieve – embedding the local community within the heart of our football club.
“As we prepare to move to our new stadium, we are committed to taking the community with us on this exciting new journey – ensuring that everyone can be part of Brentford FC.
“The event on Saturday not only proved the Club’s commitment to the community, but it also showcased the impact the Community Sports Trust has on young people across west London.”