| Miscellaneous |
Details
Ref: Matchday Mascots Kids
aka: Celtic Mascots
First: […]
Summary
Long a tradition at matches, it is an incredible joy for the young kid (male or female) to be fully kitted out and leading out the first team for a match (especially if it’s a European match or domestic Cup final). The noise, the colour and just being on the pitch is a moment they will never forget, and will make them the centre stage not only for that moment on the pitch but also at school for long after.
It is an experience that provides memories for a lifetime.
An honour for the proud parents to see their youngsters go up the Celtic Park tunnel with the players to run onto the pitch.
It is an even greater honour when that young fan potentially can end up being one lucky child to grow up to actually become a full team player when they grow up.
The impact of the Match day mascot can be far more profound than any of us can imagine, and has touched the hearts of all across the world. At Celtic there has been a number of key examples:
- Oscar Knox was a young Celtic fan from N Ireland who was struck by cancer but battled hard. His family used the available social media to help promote related causes and to provide updates, and it was touching for all. He was made a Celtic mascot, and some of the pictures with Hoopy the Hound would bring tears to your eyes. Sadly no longer with us, but always in our hearts.
- Jay Beatty, increasingly there is little need for introduction to this great little man. A wonderful character who adores Celtic and has been an iconic mascot. At time of writing he has become a club ambassador.
- Children of Syrian refugees (2016), see below. In 2016, Syria was under attack and the civilians were bombarded with bombings leading to a mass evacuation of people seeking refuge. Sadly, racists were in the ascendancy across the world in politics, but many opposed those ideas. With Celtic’s roots and the general support (e.g. Green Brigade), the club were very supportive of efforts to help incoming refugees, including inviting groups of children from affected groups as guest of the club. A wonderful gesture.
Even if the mascot doesn’t become a player (rare), it is a moment that they will repeatedly be talking about for the rest of their lives with the supporters on the buses, in the pubs and now via social media too. It really does landmark their lives.
The introduction of Hoopy the Hound as a club mascot has also meant that the young fans get to interact with the staff more easily, the Hoopy the Hound being well loved by all children with pictures and jokes. The Young Hoops Club Matchday Mascot scheme has been a great easy way for young fans to meet other Celtic fans feel involved with the club.
One of the most curious requests was from popular but controversial American rapper Snoop Dogg, who once asked to be the matchday mascot for Celtic in the Champions League v Juventus. This request was not taken up, and at 6ft 4 & over 40 years of age, he probably missed the cut off.
The Celtic mascots are a wonderful part of our club, and is done across every club in the world. It’s wonderful and helps build bridges between the club and communities.
A wonderful tribute to the children and a fine memory that will be forever remembered.
We hope it is a tradition that will continue forever more.
Links
Children of Syrian refugees were the mascots in May 2016
Oscar Knox (RIP) see link
Jay Beatty
