Sport

The Football Dad (Part Two)

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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

In the second of a three part exclusive FQ series, we join Indy Hair and his 10-year-old son Jay as following their favourite football club, Tottenham Hotspur, takes another special turn.

Indy has signed son Jay up as a One Hotspur Junior Member, which from just £8 per season provides a host of unique father-son experiences. Part One saw Indy and Jay take a behind-the-scenes tour at the world famous White Hart Lane and in Part Two, Indy takes his son to be a mascot at Tottenham Hotspur’s first home game of the new season – a once-in-a-lifetime experience, exclusive to One Hotspur Junior Members.

 “When we found out that Jay was going to be a mascot at our first home game of the season, we were all very excited. Not only was it going to be a big day for Jay, but his mum and cousin were also coming with us to the game too – their first ever trip to the Lane. We’d all been looking forward to it all summer.

“As soon as we left the station that morning we started taking pictures of our journey to White Hart Lane – Jay had bought a special scrap book that he wanted to fill with lots of images from the day. 

“We arrived at the Lane a couple of hours before kick-off where we were greeted by staff at the club and taken to the Family Room which is where all mascots and their families get a special briefing about the day’s activities.

“Shortly after the briefing, Jay and the mascots were taken down the tunnel to get autographs from all of the players. I was really happy that Jay got to meet all of the team – it made me wish that I’d had the chance to do that when I was his age.

 Jay meets Chirpy and gets an autograph from One Hotspur Junior President Harry Kane.

“Growing up, there wasn’t really an opportunity within my community to go to football matches, let alone be a mascot and walk out on to the pitch with your beloved team in front of thousands of people. That’s why I felt that the membership was so important for my kids, because it meant I could get them tickets to games and we could support the mighty Spurs together, not to mention getting the chance to take part in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Sharing our love of football and for our team has been a great way to spend quality father-son time together.

“About an hour before kick-off Jay and the mascots arrived back in the Family Room and were given their kits – to keep! He was over-the-moon and I’d say it made him even more excited for the build up to kick-off.

“Myself, Jay’s mum and his cousin all took our seats in the West Stand and watched as Jay made his way out of the tunnel and on to the pitch holding hands with Nacer Chadli. It was one of the proudest moments of my life, especially as he got to hold hands with one of my favourite players.

“It was a great day and one that we, as a family, will never forget.”

To sign your child up as a One Hotspur Junior Member from just £8 for the season, visit the Tottenham Hotspur website