On Saturday 13th March Lyne F.C where invited by Hampton and Richmond Borough Football Club to visit the Beveree Stadium to give young stars of the future, an idea what semi professional football is all about and how it works.
The day started with a guided tour of the stadium showing members of Lyne F.C the excellent facilities Hampton and Richmond has to offer and an insight into how the Club works on a day to day basis. From visiting the first team dressing room, the kit washing facilities, observing all match day preparations which were all of the highest order. Ending finally, with walking down the tunnel and out onto the pitch, which every member loved.
Lyne was then given the opportunity to watch the intensive warm up that the
reserve team go through and then followed by a Suburban League match against Leverstock F.C.
Prior to the match two of Lyne F.C under 12's, Matthew Barrado and Daniel Howlett were choosen as match day mascots, and also got paid for it, which the referee very kindly gave them the coin which he used to toss up.
At half time Lyne F.C under 11s and under 12s were given the chance to get a real feeling of running out onto a professional pitch, when 16 boys and girls from the club played a mini match in front of the crowd which was a fantastic experience and something they can aspire too in years to come.
The final score between Hampton and Richmond Borough F.C Reserves and Leverstock F.C Reserves was a 2-2 draw and a very entertaining match which everyone who visited the Beveree thoroughly enjoyed.
After the match Andy Smith, one of the Reserve team managers from Hampton and Richmond F.C presented Lyne F.C with a framed West Ham United shirt signed by the manager of Hampton and Richmond First team, West Ham United and England legend Alan Devonshire.
Nigel Edgecombe club coordinator at Lyne F.C said ' The whole day was a brilliant experience for our members, our grateful thanks must go to Hampton and Richmond F.C for their brilliant hospitality, Chairman Steve McPherson for inviting the club along and being so welcoming and the reserved team managers Andy Smith and Mark Harper which made it such a memorable day for all'
