There have been smiles all round after hundreds of Stevenage fans of all ages attended a hugely succesful open day at the club’s training HQ, Bragbury End.
It was fun in the sun as League Two side threw open its doors at the impressive facility for loyal supporters young and old on Saturday.
Boss Dino Maamria and his squad welcomed the community to its base, as a large number of people watched the side prepare for the beginning of the new season when the Lamex hosts Tranmere a week on Saturday.
Supporters had been encouraged to come along and gain an inside view on the hard work Maamria and his men have been doing all summer.
There was a family-friendly atmosphere as Maamria’s men including talented keeper Paul Farman took part in impromptu games of football with fans, while other members of the squad including Ronnie Henry, Alex Revell and Scott Cuthbert staged penalty-shootouts.
The normally fearsome centre-back Cuthbert showed his softer side by delighting of hundreds of children, happily giving more than three hours of his time to play football with wide-eyed youngsters – only hours after playing in a hard-fought friendly match against Premier League Watford on Friday night.
Speaking to CometSport the family man said: “Events like this are great. It’s so important to reach out into our community.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to give something back. I’ve only been here a few weeks but you can tell Stevenage is a club which is in the community.”
Once the team finished training, the entire squad gladly mingled with fans as they signed autographs and stopped for chats with loyal supporters.
Boro Bear was on hand to add to the jovial atmosphere, while the club’s dynamic new CEO Alex Tunbridge was in attendance to discuss all things Stevenage with many.
The highly-regarded Tunbridge – who was headhunted by chairman Phil Wallace to reinvigorate off the field matters – was delighted with the event.
He said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to each and every supporter who took the trouble to come to Bragbury End today.
“For a club like Stevenage it’s vitally important to reach out to our community with events such as this.
“It certainly looks like everyone has enjoyed themselves today.”
Good-natured boss Maamria took part in a fans’ Q&A hosted by Jay Drackford while his squad looked on in the sun.
Maamria added; “I’ve done lots of these events during my career but this is the best one yet.”
Food and drink was provided by Osinsky’s while the Stevenage FC Foundation team were also on hand to entertain youngsters.
As the light-hearted event drew to a close, a Stevenage player donned Boro Bear’s large head and ran around, prompting smiles from all those assembled.
Unfortunately for the footballer in question he tripped and fell, with much hillarity ensuing.
Alas there was no video evidence of the spectacular slip and Michael Timlin was unavailable for comment.
For details on how to get your ticket for Stevenage v Tranmere visit the club’s official website.
See this week’s CometSport 16-page supplement for our exclusive interviews with Maamria, Tunbridge, Henry, Cuthbert, Revell, Farman, Timlin, James Ball and others.
Follow Stevenage FC reporter Layth on Twitter @laythy29 and @comet_layth.
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