Queen’s Park passes the test with Schools, Charities and Community Groups

IT’S exam season across Scotland but for Queen’s Park’s first-team, the season is over.

The players have passed the test by retaining our Championship status and so has the club by getting the Grade A report from all our partner schools, community groups and local charities who have teamed up with the Spiders this season.

Our first campaign based in our new permanent home at The city Stadium has seen hundreds of youngsters cheer on Sean Crighton and the team – many experiencing football for the first time through our initiatives.

Tickets for Schools completed its FIFTH term, charities including Aware Scotland and Epilepsy Scotland, plus community groups and football teams from near and far have all participated.

And each has given the Spiders the highest feedback score possible.

Head of commercial, Kieran Koszary said: “The feedback we receive is fantastic and we are delighted to give these partner schools, groups and charities something back from the Spiders.

“We love seeing the young people visit – some for the first time in football – here at our home at the heart of the southside.

“It is important we, at Queen’s Park, engage with our community beyond our loyal and fantastic fanbase and we have enjoyed hosting each and every one this season and sharing the success earned by Sean, the staff and players.

“Tickets for Schools has now marked half a decade which is a phenomenal achievement with thanks to transport provider McDade’s Coaches and our generous sponsor.

“Expanding the scheme to include community groups has been helped by McGoldrick’s Pool and Sports Bar in Rutherglen and we have enjoyed meeting groups who do so much good in our community, as well as local football teams and even some from Malta and Northern Ireland.

“None of this would be possible without the hard work of my colleague Mhairi Gordon who works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each group’s visit is a success.

“Each and every one has loved the experience of a Queen’s Park match and we look forward to welcoming them all back soon.”

Chris Glancey, CEO of Aware Scotland, wrote: “This partnership has genuinely been a game changer for us. It has created incredible moments not just for our young people, but for our volunteers as well – they absolutely love it and always look forward to these days. You always go above and beyond for them all.”

Thomas Turley, from St Malachy’s OB Youth Club in Belfast, said: “Great welcome for the lads. The hospitality showing to them was first class Queen’s Park FC –  amazing staff and fans.”

Closer to home, Calderwood Lodge Primary school in Newton Mearns added: “We loved every minute of both the game and school visit and we are so lucky to have taken part. Thank you for all the hard work that goes into that behind the scenes.”

Thank you to everyone who took part in our school visits, and matchdays at The city Stadium – including our first-team players.

The groups who participated this season have been: 

• St Fillan’s Primary School
• Mount Florida Primary School
• Calderwood Lodge Primary School
• Glasgow Athletic 
• Calderwood Primary School 
• Glasgow Clyde College
• Aware Scotland
• Spittal Primary
• Giffnock Soccer Centre
• OLM 
• St Cadoc’s Youth Club Rovers 2012
• CIC SPORT (Malta)
• Little Alba’s kids’ club 
• St Malachy’s OB Youth FC

• St Joseph’s Primary School