Plainmoor opens its doors to give children festive fun

Torquay United threw open its Plainmoor doors for some festive fun.
Children from throughout the area made the most of their chance to go behind the scenes at United, as the football-mad youngsters were treated to a guided tour of the ground by club officials, whilst learning a few bits about its long and proud history along the way.
As well as gaining exclusive access to United’s stands, dugouts and changing rooms, children and parents alike got the chance to quiz some of United’s behind-the-scenes heroes, with Kit Manager Russell Cleave and Groundsman Julian Gouldthorpe more than happy to answer questions from the eager youngsters.
The kids even got an opportunity to show off their own skills with members of Torquay United Community Sports Trust, who hosted a highly competitive penalty shoot-out competition.
Once the tour was over, the young fans were led up to Santa’s Grotto in the Family Stand, where Father Christmas himself was on hand to meet all the children, before giving out some surprise presents to some very excited young supporters.
The fun didn’t stop there though, as the children made their way to Boots & Laces, where manager Gary Johnson, his assistant Aaron Downes and all of the Torquay United players were ready and waiting to sign autographs and have photos taken with some of the Yellow Army’s most passionate supporters.
Jo Harris, who played a key role in organising the event, was delighted to see so many local children enjoying themselves at one of the club’s most popular events.
“It’s always an enjoyable occasion welcoming local families to Plainmoor for our Christmas Tours,” said Jo. “I think this may be the best one yet, and seeing so many happy smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worthwhile.”
To enforce the feeling of goodwill sweeping the stadium, members of staff from Torbay Hospital’s Louisa Cary Children’s Ward were also present to assist with the Club’s continuing fundraising drive towards purchasing a new Parent Bed for the ward.
United would like to thank everyone that attended, and all those that contributed to making the event such a success, including those that contributed towards the Club collection in aid of Torbay Hospital’s Louisa Cary Ward.