This was the last game of the season for our local team- Dunfermline Athletic. We've had a full year of Scottish and English football, with visits to some pretty impressive stadiums along the way. For all of that, there has been something very special about our trips to East End Park to cheer on our local team. Will was lucky enough to be picked as mascot for the last game. This meant a special tour of the facilities as well as marching out with the team and participating in the pre-game coin toss with the captains. He was a bit nervous, but very excited to part of the match. We've really enjoyed going to the games this year and will definitely miss having a local team to root for. Mon the Pars!
The Dunfermline Athletic Anthem, which is played at the start of each half.
Will in front of the trophy case. Will said "it was surprising they had so many trophies considering how bad they did this year"
Will is posing by the picture of Sir Alex Ferguson. "He is one of the most successful managers in the world (current coach of Manchester United) and it's really cool he played for Dunfermline (1964-1967)". He is a member of the Dunfermline Athletic Hall of Fame.
Will and Ainsley checking out the pitch before the game
The Norrie McCathie Stand, the family section where we sat during most of our games
Kilmarnock warming up before the game.
The boys sitting in the team dugout. "I was hoping they would put me in the game" -Will
Will with L-R (Liam Buchanan, Captain Mark Kerr, and Andy Dowie)
Will with the Pars top goal scorer Andy Kirk
Sammy the Tammy is peaceful one moment...
and an animal the next!
Waiting in the tunnel before the match starts
Will and Mark Kerr leading the way onto the pitch
lining up for player introductions
"It was kind of weird shaking hands with that many adults from the opposite team. I would rather be shaking hands with the Pars. They were friendly but it was weird." -Will
"He said good luck and I ran off so they could start the game" -Will
The Main Stand (can you find Ainsley?)
Game action v. Kilmarnock
The Norie crowd as Dunfermline cling to a late 1-0 lead
Completing our weekend of football, Sunday we were invited to the last game of the season for Celtic FC of Glasgow. Celtic was playing Hearts of Midlothian (Edinburgh) and celebrating its 2011-12 Scottish Premier League Championship. The atmosphere at the game was electric throughout the game as 67,000 fans continuously sang and cheered for their champs. In a year filled with football outings it was a fantastic way to finish off the season.
Celtic Park
Player introductions for Hearts v. Celtic
The game was over early as Celtic charged to an early 3-0 lead.
Entering the stadium after the game to receive the SPL trophy
Nothing like fireworks and confetti cannons
Head coach, and former Celtic player, Neil Lennon presenting the trophy to the crowd
Hard to believe the season is over. Maybe we'll be around long enough to catch some pre-season games before we leave in July!
What a fantastic adventure you four have had! It seems almost magical. I'm sorry it's drawing to a close.
ReplyDelete