Members of Town’s Young Terriers watched training at PPG Canalside today and labelled the visit a resounding success.
The group of more than 20 met manager Chris Powell and his squad before the session, collected autographs, had pictures taken and then looked on as the players were put through their paces.
The Young Terriers – accompanied by long-serving committee man Gerald Bould and club legend Andy Booth – then stayed for lunch at the training complex before saying their goodbyes and wishing everyone good luck for Saturday’s home clash with Nottingham Forest.
“They’ve all found it extremely enjoyable,” said Mr Bould.
“A lot of them were taking selfies with the players and collecting their signatures, and they all thought Chris Powell was terrific.
“It was really exciting for them to get so close to the players and management and we had a cross section from all areas of the district, so hopefully we will attract more members through them knowing about this visit.”
The Young Terriers meet at The Zone each home Saturday, play five-a-side, have some lunch, get a match programme and then go to the stadium, where they sit in their own supervised section for the match.
“It’s free membership and anyone aged eight to 13 is welcome to come down and join in,” added Mr Bould, who is from Staincliffe in Dewsbury.
“The only thing they have to pay for is the day’s session at The Zone, and details are available from the club on how to get involved.”
Harrison Kelly, from Dewsbury, was one of the elder members at the training ground.
“It’s been brilliant to meet the players and get their autographs,” he said.
“The Young Terriers is great because we play five-a-side and, while it’s not competitive, it has that edge that you want to win. Then we go to the matches together, and it’s great.”
Saul Carcas, from Heckmondwike, explained: “Being in the Young Terriers has given us this opportunity to meet all the squad and come to training, and it’s great.
“I’ve been watching Town for four years and in the Young Terriers, and it’s really good to meet people and watch the matches.”
Wayne Lockwood, who was a Young Terriers member in the late 1980s, now takes his daughters Hollie (6) and Katelyn (7) to watch the club.
They attended today’s event with mum Tracey and their dad, who explained the family connection to the club.
“I first came to the Young Terriers when I was eight, I stayed involved until I was a teenager and even now, at 37, I still go to matches with people who I met through the YTs,” said Wayne, who was brought up in Heckmondwike but now lives in Halifax.
“The two girls are now watching Town as season-ticket holders and they are just getting involved with the Young Terriers, so this visit to training is just brilliant for them and they’ve really enjoyed it.
“As Town fans, we all have the same interests and it’s still great, after all these years, to see people you’ve known through the club going to matches and supporting the team.
“It’s good now that we are doing a lot better than we were at the start of the season, so fingers crossed we will keep progressing and finish higher up the table than we did last season.”
