West Midlands boy, 11, who 'fell in love' with Grimsby Town enjoys football session with Mariners coaches

-Credit: (Image: Submitted)
-Credit: (Image: Submitted)


An 11-year-old boy from the West Midlands who "fell in love" with Grimsby Town FC during a holiday to the area felt like he was "part of the club" for a day when he attended a Kellogg's Football Camp at Blundell Park this summer.

Sebastian, 11, from Walsall, has been a huge fan of the Mariners since first visiting the football club while on holiday several years ago.

Each year, Seb's parents make the three-and-a-half hour drive to Grimsby for a trip to the seaside, and of course, to buy his beloved team's new kit at Blundell Park.

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When he found out that the brand-new Kellogg's Football Camps were stopping off in Grimsby this summer, he jumped at the chance to get involved. The camps give kids between five and 15 the chance to get on the pitch and follow in the footsteps of their footballing heroes through fun football sessions with FA qualified coaches.

Seb's mum, Cat Hateley, said: "When we found out Grimsby was running a Kellogg’s Football Camp, Seb was adamant he had to go. Every year we take him to the area - a three-and-a-half-hour drive from our family home - for a trip to the seaside and to the football club to buy the new kit, but this time was extra special as he got play in his club kit while being coached by Grimsby Town coaches.

File picture of Blundell Park -Credit:Jon Corken/Grimsby Live
File picture of Blundell Park -Credit:Jon Corken/Grimsby Live

"He really felt like he was part of the club for a day and came out with a massive smile on his face.

"Not being from the area, I was a little worried as a parent that he might feel left out if the other kids all knew each other but as I was waiting to pick him up, I saw his new friends hugging him to say goodbye - turns out Seb had scored the winning goal.

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"After someone at the ground caught wind of how far we’d travelled, a lovely staff member at the club even offered Seb the chance to go pitch side in the stadium, which was amazing.

"I was so delighted that Seb got to follow his heart and play at Grimsby Town’s Kellogg’s Football Camp, making new friends and enjoying football like never before. We’ll definitely be back next year."

To learn more about Kellogg's Football Camps, click here.