A dozen budding Ruddington soccer stars of the future are still ‘buzzing’ after enjoying the experience of a lifetime at the weekend.
Twelve members of Ruddington Village Colts Under 10s team played their own very special part at Meadow Lane on Saturday as Notts County inflicted a convincing National League defeat on visitors Woking – a club record 31st win of the season.
The young village side was initially offered the chance to be part of the ‘Notts County Matchday Experience’ in late 2019. However, after COVID-19 struck, it’s only been this season The Magpies have allowed teams onto the pitch at half-time again. Saturday 15th April 2023 finally saw Ruddington’s turn!
U10s Manager Rich Beardsley reveals: “At the start of the game our team lined up either side of the tunnel, waving flags to greet the players on to the pitch, including the live TV cameras who were there recording for BT Sport! After watching the first half in the stands, the players paired up to run a relay race around the entire pitch, with the final pairing completing the relay by scoring a goal at Kop end of the ground – much to the delight of the 8,500 strong crowd at Meadow Lane!”
Among this enthusiastic crowd were over 50 friends and family cheering on Ruddington’s young players. “Each player than had the opportunity to take a penalty at the Family Stand end, in front of their parents” explains Rich. “In goal was our own goalkeeper, dwarfed by the full size goal posts, but enthusiastic nonetheless! There were plenty of nerves on show, and some great penalties were scored, some missed, some saved, but everyone had a wonderful smile at the end. Some of the players were excited they got fist pumps from the Notts County subs who were warming up nearby.”
After the excitement, everyone returned to the stands to watch the second half. With no goals having been scored in the first 45 minutes, Notts County then put on quite a show to comfortably win the match 3-0. Sadly, despite being a very comfortable second place in the National League table at the end of this football season, The Magpies look destined to lose out to Wrexham on automatic promotion. If so, they’ll be in the play-offs to try to get back up into Division 2 next season.
Rich adds: “Our players were a great credit to Ruddington with their behaviour. Chanting and supporting County together despite their usual club allegiances largely being elsewhere.”
Villagers interested in getting their child involved in football (at any age) are invited to find out more, and to get in touch, via the Ruddington Village Colts website >>HERE<<.
