Young Pirates Have A Ball

Written by Robin-Mark Schols

Dancing for prizes

Last night the Mead Civil Engineering Suite saw the annual Young Pirates Christmas party.

As usual, the place was packed with members of Rover's youngest support group who along with parents had a great evening. The players came along with first team coach Paul Trollope and joined in, posing for endless photographs and signing autographs for star struck youngsters all evening, putting the icing on the cake for many of the children there.

Young Pirate Ben Trotman poses with players

They had a disco and spot prizes for the best dancers, along with more prizes for answering Rovers questions and even the parents got in on the act! A buffet was enjoyed by all too, though sadly no jelly, (perhaps the carpet couldn't take it!) and to top the evening off in style, there was even a visit from Santa in his blue and white outfit, though no whiff of cigar this year!

Every child got a gift from Santa and even Craig Hinton was spotted leaving with a selection box muttering something about 'looking forward to attempting the puzzles on the back!'

Santa arrives to the delight of the children

An added bonus this year was having Pirate Leisure open and many took the opportunity to buy gifts while the players were there to sign them and make them that little bit extra special.

By the end of the evening, there were plenty of tired but thrilled looking children who had had a memorable night, another success for the Young Pirates organisers who once again pulled out all the stops to give the kids a great night. Well done to them all.