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[yorkshiremariners]

We are still here and another blog will be with you all soon.

We’ve been taking some time off from writing at the moment and spending some much needed quality time together as a family.

[yorkshiremariners]

New Kid On The Block

We hope you’ve all had a great pre season whoever you may follow.

During the course of our preparations over the summer we have had little Ruby Mae asking to come with us on our road trips with South Shields FC.

Ruby is Mia Jane’s 4 year old sister who I never thought would want to go to football.

Her first game was Saturday 21st July 2018 South Shields v Blyth Spartans at Mariners Park

It was getting close to the time for leaving West Yorkshire and make the 220 mile round trip and I was having doubts that Ruby would back out.

But guess what...... she didn’t bottle it!!

At the ground Ruby was chomping at the bit to help her sister and Grandad (Durham Mariners) to put the flags up.

She was that keen it was like watching Spider-Man scale the fence. B

Once the flags were up Ruby settled in to her new surroundings with ease, chilling in the seats out and testing the new stands out behind the goal.

Over the next few weeks Ruby has been back to Mariners Park for the game against Southampton under 23s and also she has done her first away game, Tadcaster Albion.

Next on the adventure list was Cleethorpes Town away, the two clubs have become close following the meeting at Wembley back in may 2017 for the FA Vase Final.

When we arrived at the Linden club we were made welcome by the club representative Ken, he had the time of day to welcome the shields fans almost one by one with a firm handshake and said if we needed anything at all to give him a shout.

The flags were up and we headed towards the clubhouse. I think it was safe to say the Mariners took it over.

The game on the tele was just about over which was the que for young Nathan to break in to song, “everywhere we go” bellowed around the room closely followed by his trademark “Fenton & Picton”...... it was bouncing and even the girls were singing away.

The game itself wasn’t up to our usual standards but it was another ground ticked off the list for us all and the girls made some more friends on their travels.

If you see us on your travels come and say hello.

Have a great season on the road

Until next time

The Yorkshire Mariners

[yorkshiremariners]

Spending time with family… we’ll be back soon ⚽️⚽️

[yorkshiremariners]

The Corporate Hospitality Kid

First of all I want to say thank you to Media Manager Ruth Hornby and Managing Director Alan Grant for the first class hospitality we received at the Evo-Stik division one north playoff final between Bamber Bridge FC and Prescot Cables FC

In the week leading up to the game we were contacted by Ruth for Mia Jane’s address to send her a badge for her growing collection as she couldn’t make the rearranged fixture against South Shields FC (school night).

As the week progressed Bamber Bridge beat Tadcaster Albion in the playoff semi final, subsequently we got invited across to the final which was being held at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium so Mia could tick it off her list, 36 grounds and counting..... Not bad for a six year old!!

With the season already finished for South Shields, it was quite a weird feeling in the build up during the week as we were heading to the game as neutrals.

It was during this time we were contacted by Ruth again to let her know if we were definitely heading across. She told us the Bamber Bridge chairman had suggested that Mia Jane be a mascot for the game, as a representative of league champions South Shields FC.

What an honour it was to receive this kind and generous offer.

Game day...

We arrived at the ground after small detour to the Macron Stadium (Bolton Wanderers FC)

Once we put Mia’s flag up and had some lunch (you have to try the chips,curry & cheese) it was time to have a look around behind the scenes with Ruth and volunteer steward James Knell.

James pretty much gave Mia the free run of the place and where she wanted to go we went.

While we were having a wonder round the pitch Mia was introduced to the manager of Bamber Bridge FC Neil Reynolds, who kindly took the time out of his pre match preparations to speak to her.

After a few minutes talking on the pitch we went to meet the rest of the team in the changing room, all of the lads were excellent with Mia Jane, signing a team photograph and talking to her about her footballing adventures up and down the country with shields.

The atmosphere in the ground was building up nicely as it got closer to kickoff, the Prescot cables fans were making loads of noise at the far side of the ground which seemed to spark the Bamber Bridge fans into life. Let the sing off commence!!!

The time has come for Mia to head back to the tunnel and lead the two teams out onto the pitch.

While Mia Jane was stood with the captain of Bamber Bridge he whispered something to her which at the time She found really amusing, but unfortunately when I asked what was said she couldn’t remember.

We met up with James again as he took us to the sponsors lounge, we met up with managing director Alan.

Alan introduced us to his guests already in the lounge and told us to help ourselves to food from the buffet and complementary drinks from the bar..... Guess who cleared the fruit shoots out!!

As the game started we took up a position on the balcony, the view was excellent and Mia was watching the game with her sandwiches in hand.

the game ticked on with very few opportunities for both sides, it was about who could take the chance should it arrive, I turned to Alan and said this is the time where someone should step up and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Heading into the final 10 minuets of the game, with the score still 0-0 extra-time is looking very likely to happen.

Chris Marlow got that opportunity as he chested down A header across the goal and slammed the ball into the back of the net on the volley to send the Home supporters crazy....... Que the pyro

The final whistle blows, Bamber Bridge 1-0 Prescot Cables

It’s 3rd time lucky for Bamber Bridge.... congratulations on promotion.

The Home supporters run onto the pitch to party with their heroes while Alan is celebrating with Mia on the balcony and said she was the lucky charm, once the celebrations had past we headed down onto the pitch for a kick around before the journey back to West Yorkshire.

On the way back to the Car Mia Jane was presented with a signed match worn shirt and a football from Managing Director Alan.

We have made friends for life at Bamber Bridge FC and I can’t wait to meet up with them at Mariners Park and also back at the Sir Tom Finney stadium next season.

Both myself and Mia had a really excellent day that we will remember for a long time and sorry if I’ve missed anything out but I could of went on all day.

Here’s to a great 2018/2019 season for both South Shields FC and Bamber Bridge FC.

Simon & Mia Jane

[yorkshiremariners]

An Away Day At Home...

At last the day I've been waiting for since 20th January!!!

Ossett Albion had tweeted my dad after the media guy Gary Wigglesworth spotted one of my blogs and showed Director of football Phil Smith. He asked if I would like to be the South Shields mascot when we visited later in the season, "do kids eat sweets" oh yes, get in.

This is an away day for the lads but technically a home game for me, just 2.4 miles from my front door to the turnstiles.... now you all know the journey I make each week back to Mariners Park.

On the morning of the game I woke up really early asked dad if we could go to the match but it wasn't even 8 o'clock, I was chomping at the bit.

Grandad was on his way down, He eventually arrived at my house and this is when I knew the time to head off was near. We went in Grandad's car so my dad could have a pint!

We arrive and the car park is packed as there is a kids footy competition going on. Then as if by magic "The Fawcetts" appear.

As we walk towards the ground Grandad stops at the last pitch and shouts to the kids playing in red and white stripes "Ha’way Sunderland”

As we were early the turnstiles are closed but an old man said he was expecting us and told dad and grandad about the history of Ossett Albion.

The turnstile man turned up and It was free as part of the day to get in but not for Grandad he wasn't on my guest list, dad had forgot about him, nothing new there then. We walked in and nobody took his money anyway "Get in, more pocket money for Mia, result"

We met Gary the media guy for Ossett who sorted everything out for me, I received a goody bag and a ball from Ross Hardaker who plays for Ossett Albion and works with my dad, we got introduced to director of football Phil Smith who had read one of my previous blogs.

They let me run about on the pitch, it was fab!!!

I went into the board room and was invited to meet the Osset Albion players in the dressing room, I just peeped through the door though.

Then the Shields team arrived and we went into the changing room and everyone signed my shirt.

I headed back out onto the pitch and met the Ossett Albion manager former sunderland player Andy Welsh as well as our management team Fenton and Picton..... I tried to tell them my line up.

It was soon time to lead the team out, the lads followed me onto the pitch, this was the proudest day of my young life.

The game finished 2 all with Shields coming back from 2 nil down. At the final whistle I ran as fast as I could to get on a photo with the Sima Branch. I never miss a photo opportunity me, you ask Kev the photographer.

Until the next blog

Love Mia x

[yorkshiremariners]

New Friends & Broken Steps

It all started back on 12th August 2017, Trafford FC away on the opening day of a highly anticipated Evo-Stik adventure for South Shields FC.

Little did Mia know how many friends and followers she would make on her travels up and down the country throughout the course of the season!!

Here is a look at a few of her encounters.

We arrived at Trafford, put her flag up and headed for something to eat, while getting served a very polite lady leaned over the counter and asked if this was Mia.

Lynda (@thetealady1) had been following Mia’s adventures through the Northern Leagues on twitter. To this day Lynda still stays in touch with us.

Great start 2-1 away win.

Scarborough away, August bank holiday Monday. We had been looking forward to this one as Mia was going to meet Oliver (@MiniSeadog) a young fan aged six and like Mia he loves football and most of all his team Scarborough Athletic FC.

When we first met Mini Seadog neither of them would stand close to each other for a picture. It was a case of thanks but no thanks. One thing Oliver did say to his mam was “can we buy a flag”!! Another away day win 3-1

This wouldn’t be the first time Mia and Oliver were to meet at the Flamingo Land Stadium as South Shields returned there in October for our FA Trophy game.

Before the game Oliver was doing a bucket collection for Sports Traider (well done Mini Seadog), when he had a spare two minutes we managed to get them to stand together for a picture this time round!! To top the day off Mia Jane smashed her step when the 4th goal went flying in. Another away day win 5-2

Fast forward to the 4th November when Atherton Collieries made the trip up North to Mariners Park. This was the day Tom (8) and Ellie (7) (@CollsYouth) were to meet up with Mia. She was really excited as they had been swapping stories of their adventures on Twitter. Tom and Ellie give Mia a big box of sweets and a club pennant. No shyness from these kids as club photographer Kev Wilson snapped a few shots before kick off including some on the pitch.

The return game at Atherton on 20th January turned into a right episode. Mia was really excited to meet up with her new friends again and give them their presents. She was especially looking forward to the game as @CollsYouth had arranged for her to walk out with the team.

Unfortunately two hours after we had arrived the game was cancelled by the referee due to a waterlogged pitch!!! Not to be defeated by the weather we managed to find a game that was on close by, so the mad dash to Salford City v Harrogate Town was on...... Another ground off her list!!

Hyde United away was Mia Jane’s first midweek away game and it was a highly anticipated top of the table clash. Before the fixture at Mariners Park we got chatting to a gentleman named John Booth (@johnhopkinsonb2) and he told Mia he would show her behind the scenes at Ewen Fields.

True to his word when we pulled up at the ground we were made to feel welcome from the word go. John handed Mia bag of presents as it was her birthday the week before the game. Once the flags had been put up we went for the guided tour!! On entering the boardroom she bumped into our chairman Geoff Thompson who was lovely towards her and stood and had a conversation about her birthday and the football adventures.

I could go on until the new season starts and no offence to anywhere we have visited not mentioned.

I leave you with this....

The one and only

George “The Kitman” McLaughlin.

George and Mia have had so many laughs and giggles on the road this season.

A great man and always has the time to talk with all the South Shields fans, he is a real credit to the football club. They have created a bond which will last a lifetime in her eyes. As soon as she sees him she'll shout at full voice “GEORGE” to get his attention. You could probably hear her back in West Yorkshire.

We will have two more blogs coming your way before the season starts so keep an eye out for that one and if you are not following us on social media you are missing a treat.

Thank you all for reading throughout the season.

Simon and Mia Jane

Dedicated to our friend Ashleigh who was taken far too soon.

[yorkshiremariners]

South Shields On Detour

Grandad was on his way to meet us at Wakefield train station as the announcement came through!!!

Bamber Bridge v South Shields is off.

We always have a back up plan in the area to make it to a game in this situation but this time was different....

Plan A off

Plan B off

Plan C off

Plan D off

You can see where this is heading🙄

Finally Plan G, a game that's beaten the weather.

A top of the table clash in the Vanarama National League

Off to Macclesfield Town v Sutton United we go.

Dad decided to go the scenic route over the hills and twisty roads, it was like a rollercoaster!!!!

As we got further up Woodhead pass the weather changed and we thought plan G was going to bite the dust as well!!

Eventually we made it to Macclesfield Town, we parked the car and had a look around.

When we where having a look around a steward told us to take the middle door on the outside of the main stand and see the man at the top of the stairs 🤔

That’s it we are in the main bar over looking the pitch!!

What a view!!!

After a few funny looks with me strolling around with my Shields shirt and scarf on it was time to head down pitch side.

I met a lion called Roary. He liked me, well he kept coming back for a photo 😄

We stood behind the goal with all the singers. Not as good as the “Sima Lads” back at Mariners Park though 😜

Finished 1 - nil (pen) and one of the keepers was sent off.

So back to the car we went and headed back to West Yorkshire.

Keep an eye out for my future adventures up and down the country and if you see me give me a high five.

Pictures courtesy of,

Bamber Bridge FC

Simon kelsey

Ian kelsey

Until next time

Mia Jane & Yorkshire Mariners @TheLittleMackem

@SSFC_YORKSHIRE

[yorkshiremariners]

⚽️ The World’s First ⚽️

Grandad came to visit us in Yorkshire, we went to see The Worlds First Football Club, Sheffield FC.

Sheffield FC v Gresley (3-2)

10/12/2016

Evo-Stik Division 1 South

The Home of Football

Coach & Horses Ground

Sheffield Road

Dronfield

We got to the ground and the turnstiles weren’t even open, well it was only half past twelve. We had a walk around and took some photos. We saw a man and asked him what time can we come in. It was only the chairman and he took us in early for a sneak preview. I went into the boardroom, they said I could tuck into the biscuits but I went all shy!!!  After that he let me do some jobs around the ground.

We met "Muffy the Gateman" and we paid him our money from inside the ground. I then went to get my chips, they weren't ready so I sat down and waited patiently for them to be cooked 😉

I got a club badge, it's my favourite one from my travels. Before the game the players came onto the pitch for a team photo. It was a good game and there was a little man playing for Gresley, he was nearly as tall as me. I think he scored a good goal. There was a raffle at half time and Grandad tried to trick me into going to collect the prize with his losing ticket.

I liked Sheffield FC, fantastic day ...................... Can we go back Dad?

Until next time,

Mia Jane (@TheLittleMackem) 💖⚽️💖

[yorkshiremariners]

My new blog is nearly ready so watch this space⚽️⚽️⚽️

[yorkshiremariners]

My Journey North

My journey to Mariners Park takes about 2 hours and I’m beginning to learn the route my dad takes on a weekend....

M1 then the A1, follow the big blue signs North and I know we are heading in the right direction.

In total my dad makes a 220 mile round trip to get me to the South Shields FC Games at home, with a stop off in Durham to pick my Grandad up seen as though we are passing.

On the way back to West Yorkshire I’ve finally figured out that I’m nearly home when we pass Wetherby services............. Did we hoy Grandad out Dad. 🤔

Until next time

Love The Little Mackem

xxxx

[yorkshiremariners]

Me & Colls Youth

This was the day that the Colls Youth were coming to visit me (Ellie & Tom) I was really excited. I also got a new home shirt before the game. When they got here they give me a big box of sweets. As I’m from Yorkshire I had now’t for them. (But we have plans for our visit to their ground)

Kev one of the club photographers took our photos and before the game they took me onto the side of the pitch and give me a pennant.

Kids like us are the future of the game ………………………………………………….What’s a colliery?

Until the next time

Love The Little Mackem

xxxxxxx

[yorkshiremariners]

Since my 1st blog I’ve had loads of messages and now I’ve done a non league Old Firm double with South Shields in the FA Trophy.

Well sort of........

I’ve been to Farsley Celtic and Stafford Rangers. We scored a last minute equaliser at Farsley, Dad says last minute goals away from home are the best. I didn’t make the replay as it was a school night but Grandad said it was a cracker and we won 4-3.

I met a badger at Stafford Rangers, I wasn’t sure about his black & white stripes. We lost 3-1 but I had a great day and got another badge for my collection. That’s 19 grounds and counting.

Until next time

Love The Little Mackem

xxxxxxx

[yorkshiremariners]

Going Forward

After doing the blog for Emma at non league flags this week, I have had a few messages asking if we are going to continue to blog Mia Janes road trips with South Shields FC.

Well we have decided to do it, so watch this space for updates directly from Mia

[yorkshiremariners]

This is the blog we done for non league flags.

South Shields & Me by Mia Jane

I am truly honoured to have worked with my guest article contributor this week, and have been really looking forward to her story and reading her adventures.

This week’s blog belongs to an incredible South Shields fan, a remarkable young lady named Mia Jane who is 5 years old. I noticed Mia and her father Simon including me in some amazing, colourful South Shields flags and I was interested in hearing the story of a young fan who not only has an incredible love for her club, but also is well loved within the club.

Mia’s blog post below is something very special indeed and I’m really lucky to be the one to share it. It’s written straight from her heart and these are the best kind of words you can ever come across. This week, this space belongs entirely to Mia, I am so excited to share this with you.

South Shields & Me

Where It Began

Dad was going to the football, we were on a family trip to South Shields, it’s his hometown. He asked me if I wanted to go, well at 3 years old the automatic answers are “Yes or No”

He give me his Shields scarf to wear and I stood at the front on the advertising boards with Uncle Matty. That was two years ago on the 24th October 2015, and here I am aged 5 and a veteran of the non league scene, well nearly.

South Shields (4) Thornaby (3)

Runcorn Linnets

“Yellow and Green” everywhere. Stood on the balcony, last minute winner

…………………………………………………….. Dad can I have a flag?

22nd October 2016 South Shields (2) Runcorn Linnets (1), FA Vase

Coleshill  Away

This is my 1st away day with Shields. My Dad had to come to Coleshill earlier, on an undercover mission to make sure we got the tickets, good job Mam has a good Yorkshire accent. Operation complete and we are on our way. Also joining us is Grandad. We went to the pub, Grandad doesn’t like pubs (honest no joke). There was loads outside getting people to pip their horns as they passed by and there was an angry woman in a red mini.

-March 11th Coleshill (1) South Shields (2) FA Vase Semi Final 1st Leg tickets

Guisbrough Away

Flag day, well not quite, there’s no sign of “Postman Pat” and it’s time to leave but it’s OK as Dad says we’ll get another cup today and I can run on the pitch. I love pitch invasions. Fifteen minutes up the road and Mam rings, postman’s been, “Dad, go back home" Flag put up in the ground, another Shields win, a pitch invasion and the team come out and get the "League Trophy” …….. “George the Kitman” puts the lid on my head. Bye bye Northern League and hello Evo-Stik. April 22nd 2017,Guisbourgh (2) South Shields (3) 

League cup final

I’m off again and caught on camera running to join the lads with another cup. “Ha’way Dad keep up”

Finally I got the trophy in my hands for another picture

May 6th 2017 North Shields (0) South Shields (5)

Wembley weekend

Wow, Amazing….

Big Ben

The Queen

Then the party at Covent Garden the night before the game with friends and family.

After a good sleep and a great breakfast in the hotel we went on a train to Wembley.

“Wow dad is that Wembley….. it’s huge, what’s that over the top” I asked (the arch)

May 21st 2017, Cleethorpes Town (0) South Shields (4)

A few weeks after Wembley I’m back in South Shields and we make a trip to Mariners Park to order my 2017/2018 season ticket and I see the trophy was proudly on display …. it’s nearly as big as me!!!!

New Adventures in the Evo Stik

It all started at Trafford away and it was great to see loads of flags up in the ground.

“I love flags”

August 12th 2017, Trafford (1) South Shields (2)

Then it was back to Mariners Park for Brighouse Town, which means two things……

My first ever night game and being able to use my first ever season ticket at the turnstiles instead of a £2 coin.

August 15th 2017, South Shields (5) Brighouse Town (0)

A few weeks later…….

Grandad said I needed a passport to go to Colwyn Bay as he said we’re off to see Shields in Europe……

This was the first competitive game I had seen Shields lose after going on that impressive unbeaten run.

September 9th 2017, Colwyn Bay (4) South Shields (2)

Watching the game with the lads at Ossett Town away.

This is a home game for me as Ossett is 2 minuets away from my house but it’s an away day for the lads.

September 19th 2017, Ossett Town (0) South Shields (2)

And finally I’m caught in the moment celebrating against Scarborough.

August 28th 2017, Scarborough (1) South Shields (3)

My adventures will continue up and down the country with South Shields FC, so if you see me on my travels come and say hello, for home games our round trip is 220 miles.

Follow my twitter @TheLittleMackem & @SSFC_YORKSHIRE

Thank you for reading,

Mia Jane x

Pictures courtesy of,

Simon Kelsey

Ian Kelsey

Kev Wilson