McDonalds support Margate FC

Margate Football Club was delighted to launch a new partnership with McDonalds at Saturday's 2-0 win against Staines Town.

The partnership will now offer young people across the grassroots football community the opportunity to be a match day mascot at Hartsdown Park this season.

Thanks to support from McDonalds’ local Westwood, Margate and Minister branches, the club is able to provide the chance to reward and recognise young people playing an important part in the local community.

For every home Bostik League game, one lucky McDonalds Mascot will walk out with the Margate Captain before taking part in the Respect handshake and official team photo.

For this special opportunity, special mascots are required. Margate FC fans and McDonalds customers are therefore invited to nominate any under 16 they believe deserves a treat or reward.

Whether a grassroots player who has displayed great sportsmanship at a game, or a young person going above and beyond at school; a panel including First Team Manager Steve Watt will consider all nominations on a week by week basis, before selecting the winner.

For Saturday's game, we were delighted to welcome Margate FC Under 12s footballer, Saffron. Saffron was nominated by her coach, Scott Holden, who said:

“I nominated Saffron, as her mother has been poorly and recently required major surgery, causing an obvious emotional strain on both Saffron and her family.”

“Due to our squad not having an actual goalkeeper, despite being a defender, she has committed to standing in until our predicament is resolved and she has performed brilliantly.”

Following the game, Saffron's Mum emailed the club to say:

"We just wanted to say a huge thank you to Margate FC and McDonalds today for making Saffron's day as mascot so special. She was very excited and absolutely loved it.  She was looked after by Charlotte and Ryan impeccably.  She has her signed shirt and program that will be going on her bedroom wall as a fantastic memory.  And to round off the day a 2-0 win!"

Following Saturday's successful launch, McDonalds representative, Paul Knell said: “This year McDonald’s are celebrating 15 years of supporting community football across the UK. Our three restaurants in Thanet are proud to be supporting Margate FC. We are excited to be giving the opportunity to reward and recognise young people in our community with a chance to be a match day Mascot.” 

Margate FC Chairman, Alistair Bayliss expressed his delight at welcoming McDonalds to be part of the exciting developments at Hartsdown Park.

“It’s a real pleasure to welcome McDonalds as a partner of Margate Football Club. To align the two names side by side demonstrates how far we’ve come in a short space of time. The fact we’ve been able to put this fantastic opportunity together for young people is something the club is very proud of.”

“Our work on and off the pitch is driven by the principle of being ‘in this together’. To have our local McDonalds extending their support is brilliant. I’m delighted we’ll be able to reward lots of deserving people in the local area and hope our partnership will grow from strength to strength.”

If you know a special young person who deserves the opportunity to walk out with the first team, please submit your nomination with the below details to charlotte.richardson@margate-fc.com

• Nominee Name

• Nominee Age

• Home game of preference

• Reason for nomination (250 words max)

To see all the photos from Saturday's launch, please click here.

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