Rotherham United were delighted to welcome a number of local children into important matchday roles for the hosting of MK Dons at AESSEAL New York Stadium, as part of the Community Sports Trust’s ‘Kids Takeover Day’.
A number of students from a Rotherham-based school joined the Millers on Saturday morning as preparations began for the hosting of MK Dons, with youngsters employed in a host of roles across the club including first team assistant, kit man, media officer and hospitality host.
Behind-the-scenes jobs included laying out the first team kit in the home dressing room prior to the arrival of the first team, accompanying the matchday referee in his pre-match routine and warm-up, helping to create and hand out teamsheets for the attending press and showing corporate guests to their tables in the hospitality lounges.
Of course, many of our jobs here at Rotherham United see us come into contact with first team players and staff and the children were given the opportunity to do the same, meeting Paul Warne and his players as part of their pre-match duties whilst with the club.
As it has been in previous years, the Kids Takeover Day was a roaring success and not only gave the youngsters a chance to get an up close and personal look at a matchday at AESSEAL New York Stadium, but also made our jobs easier on the day thanks to the extra pairs of hands!
Speaking following another great day for the local students, Head of Community Jamie Noble expressed his delight at the seamless way in which those attending slotted into their matchday roles.
“This fixture really is one we look forward to at the start of each season and after another superb day on Saturday, it is no surprise as to why,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“All of the kids were helpful and attentive and did all of their jobs with a smile on their face and were a credit to themselves, their school and indeed Rotherham United.
“It is easy to forget how much behind-the-scenes work goes into each matchday we host here at AESSEAL New York Stadium and it is fantastic that we are able to showcase so many areas of the club to the youngsters when this fixture comes around.
“Paul Warne has really set a standard for ‘good human beings’ at this club and I must say that the children upheld those high expectations on matchday, it was a pleasure to have them on board.
“I would like to thank Warney, his staff, the players, the match officials and everyone around the club for taking time out of their busy schedules to show the children more of their roles and I am delighted to be sat here reflecting on another fantastic day for our community.”