A group of young fans have won praise at Carlisle United for their efforts to smarten up the Warwick Road end of Brunton Park.
Jamie Mulholland, Callum Conley, Caden Carrigan, Harry Crook, Kyle Douglas, Sonny Kirkwood, Sam Davidson and Jay Mackay have worked throughout the school-half term.
Supporter Liaison Officer Simon Clarkson said: “The idea came from our young fans, so once the club asked me to co-ordinate and backed it financially, the rest fell into place.
“Reps from Carlisle United Supporters Groups (CUSG) volunteered their time and local business Paintwell have provided a superb service.”
Nigel Davidson, the CUSG Equality, Diversity and Inclusion rep said: “It’s been great to see the enthusiasm from our younger supporters.
“These guys are part of the club’s future and it’s important that we engage well with them now, so they continue to support their local club. Well done all of you!”
Matt Spooner, Chair of Carlisle United Official Supporters Club (CUOSC) said: “It’s great to see fans wanting to contribute to make the match day experience better. Everybody involved should be proud of what they’ve done, and we hope this is just the start!”
One of the young fans Sonny Kirkwood said: “We have enjoyed helping down in the Warwick Road End to give it a much-needed makeover.
“This is a long-term project and won’t be completed within just a week, it will take effort and commitment by everyone involved. We have loved the experience and we hope the fans like it.”
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “For these young fans to step up and do this themselves, come in and give up their school holidays, is simply brilliant.
“They deserve huge credit and thanks. They are really proud of what they have done and so they should be – it looks great. I can’t wait to see the reaction of the fans when they see the work that’s been done.
“We had a great chat together about it and what they want to do next in the Warwick. We will be delighted to continue to help and support their ideas.”
Manager Paul Simpson, who visited the group on-site during the week said: “What’s been hapening is just magnificent.
“It doesn’t half look smart as well. It’s all part of the positive feeling that’s around the place, and really well done to them.
“Credit to them. I think young people nowadays get a lot of stick, everybody wants to tell us what they’re not doing right and what they’re doing wrong. These fellas have come out, off their own back, taken it upon themselves.
“They’ve done a really good job. What I would say is I hope when we play our next home game I can’t see any of the barriers because it’s full, but they’ve done a brilliant job.”
