Doncaster Rugby League last Sunday hosted their first ever Junior Takeover Day.
Thanks to the help of matchday staff along with the the Club Doncaster Foundation and their Sky Try initiative, the day was a huge success for all involved.
The day saw school children throughout Doncaster take on a variety of matchday roles at the club from commercial manager to first team coach, shadowing each position.
The aim of the Junior Takeover Day is to engage with the local schools that are working actively with the Club Doncaster Foundation and it is beneficial for the children involved, having to submit applications for each role a the club. It also helps give the youngsters an idea of what they might like to do in the future, as well as experiencing a once in a lifetime opportunity at their local rugby league club.
Speaking about the day, Doncaster Rugby League Chief Executive Carl Hall said: “The Junior Takoever Day was brilliant to be part of and as a whole it was the best match day experience I have ever witnessed whilst being at the club both in a playing and staff capacity.
“It was great to see so many people taking part and seeing so many smiles on so many faces, I’d like to thank everyone associated with the club for putting on such a fantastic day.”
Junior Head Coach Amy Gamble said: “I had a wonderful day taking part in the Junior Takeover Day.
“From the moment that I arrived, the team made me feel very welcome. At around 12:30, I was introduced to my mentor Gary Thornton, he is a very bubbly guy who loves a great joke which made my day even better!
“As the first team head coach, I worked very closely with Gary to make sure the team was in tip top shape for their clash with Oxford. Thank you very much for allowing me to take part in this once in a life time opportunity.”
Parent Paula Hugill added: “Thank you for making my daughters day, she had a fantastic time and wants to come back and watch the Dons again in the future.”
The full list of roles on the day were:
Chief Executive: Jack Green
Commercial Manager: Sam Garner
Communications Assistant: Jack Gray
Community Co-ordinator: Tia Jaques
Groundsman: Nikola Sadlowska
Head Coach: Amy Gamble
Kitman/Physio: Molly Tindale
Marketing Manager: Jonathan Dixon
Player: Edward Ducksbury
Reception and Host: Jessica Hugill
Referee: Gareth McDermid
Scoreboard Operator: Amy Walker
Stadium Manager: Lucas Lawson-Prior
Tannoy Announcer: Vikki Blakebrough
Ticket Office: Imogen Hands
Vila/Donny Dog Assistant: Cole Blakely
Doncaster Rugby League would like to thank everyone involved in the day for making it such a success.
To see highlights, see below: