As part of our sponsor day, we provided two lucky JDL players (in both the mixed and girls space) with the opportunity to experience a game day through the eyes of a Senior player.

Mason Bourbonnais (12 Mixed JDL) and Rose Whittaker (11 Girls JDL) had a day they will remember for some time when they got to meet the first team players and be part of the whole game experience, which included the team talk, warm up and coin toss. They even got to watch the game from the best seat in the house.

Mason was greeted by first team captain Matthew Mazevski and introduced to the other squad players.

It was great to see Mason embracing the opportunity.

“I enjoyed meeting Matt and listening to him speak when giving the team talk. Matt shows great leadership and drives the team. I look up to Matt as a player and enjoyed talking all things football with him. The only negative about him was that he was an Arsenal supporter!”

Mason did the whole warm-up routine with the first team and showed some good touches before getting ready to take the field with the players.

“I had no nerves walking out onto the field as all players were talking and making me feel at ease. It was amazing to see the crowd of supporters and walking out with the team as it has given me the belief that I could be doing that one day”, said Mason.

We want to thank the first team players and coaching staff for welcoming Mason and making this a day he will remember for some time.

Earlier in the day, Rose Whittaker got to meet Senior Women Captains Abi Jordan and Alexis Malizis. She too got to watch the warm-up and take some photos with the players.

“I was a bit nervous walking out onto the field, but then it made me feel better when I sat next to my coach Ruby.”

Rose was very impressed by the talent in the Senior team and was inspired by the players who were willing to give her some tips. “I got some really good advice to always take a touch, eyes up, and find the open player, rather than just kicking it to the other team.”

She was thrilled to see the Women’s team get up in a tough game, and her favourite moment was celebrating with the players when Lexie scored from a corner kick. “Her celebration was so cool”.

The feedback was so overwhelmingly positive that we will be looking to offer this opportunity to other players a few more times throughout the year.

We should also mention, it was an emotional day as well for the club as we remember Levi Dirks with his brother carrying his shirt out onto the field ahead of the Men’s game.

Photos courtesy of Sim Shelton