Gunnersaurus Blog

Hey Junior Gunners, 

The season may be over but there has been plenty of events to keep me busy over the last month or so. Here's my latest blog: 

Monday, May 19, 2014
It’s Monday the 19th and a quiet day to reflect over the last couple of days - probably the best in my lifetime. Being able to celebrate with the players on the Wembley pitch and lead the parade to the Town Hall, then join the players on the platform above the Armoury overlooking the famous cannons and the brilliant Arsenal fans below was a dream come true. Let’s hope we do it all over again next season with the Champions League or Premier League trophy.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Today it was back to work for me on pitch events at the stadium, with Football Aid first up. There were quite a few games and lots of supporters to keep me occupied.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014
A busy day today with two events taking place. First up was one of our partners, Huawei, who had their football tournament at the stadium, then it was off to Borehamwood for our Ladies game against Birmingham City where we lost 2-0.

Thursday, May 22, 2014
Two former Gunners, Martin Keown and David Hillier attended an event being held by White and Case. I joined the players on the pitch for their squad photos before heading off to find the supporters who had come along to cheer on the team.

Friday, May 23 – Saturday, May 24, 2014
Over 400 Junior Gunners arrived at the stadium tonight for our annual Camping On The Pitch event. Everyone got the chance to play on the Emirates pitch before heading upstairs for food and games. We also had the FA Cup on show so everyone got a picture with the trophy. I was on hand to keep everyone in order and make sure they all brushed their teeth before bedtime which was about 11.00 pm. Despite this, it was not until the early hours of the morning that everyone had finally fallen asleep. We had a little bit of rain in the night but it did not dampen the Junior Gunners' enthusiasm. They were all up around 7.00am for breakfast then picked up by their parents at 8.00am. Another successful event.

Sunday, May 25, 2014
Unfortunately, today brought another defeat for the Arsenal Ladies. Today’s opponents were Bristol Academy and we ended up on the wrong side of a 2-0 score line. Before the match, the Herts Arsenal Soccer Schools were running a Junior Skills School for 5-13 year olds. I got down there early to keep an eye on things with lots of opportunity for pictures. After the match I had to rush off to Enfield for a 21st Birthday party for a big Arsenal fan who did not know I was coming along. It was such a surprise to him and all of his friends.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Today I went to Pentonville Prison with the guys from our Community department before heading back to the stadium for a corporate event being held by Barclays. The Barclays mascot Banksy came along so we had a lot of fun together during the day. The Premier League trophy won by Manchester City was also on show, so we brought out the FA Cup for a great picture opportunity for the guests. There was lots of football played on the pitch with both adults and children receiving some coaching from the Arsenal Soccer School staff. There were also some special guests to make the day even more memorable, former Arsenal Ladies captain Faye White, and two ex-Arsenal players Martin Keown and Fabrice Muamba.

Friday, May 30, 2014
Today involved football all day long with our Community Department holding a tournament for the local community. I got mobbed by the fans and players as I went around to see everyone.

Sunday, June 1, 2014
Today I was off to Stadiummk to watch Arsenal Ladies take on Everton Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup final. It was my first visit to the stadium so I was quite excited. They had a fan zone outside the stadium, and I met up with fellow mascots from Everton and the FA. We all took part in a dance off which I lost and a shoot-out which I won. I walked around the pitch before kick-off and if I did not have time to say hello to everyone unfortunately but there was just so many of you there I ran out of time. The Ladies won the final 2-0 with goals from Kelly Smith and one from our new Japanese player Yukari Kinga. So that’s the cup double complete! 

Wednesday, June 4, 2014
I visited Vittoria Primary School today with our guys from the Community team. I handed out certificates to boys and girls who had exceeded with their reading. I also popped into all of the classrooms while I was there and everyone was so excited to see me.

Thursday, June 5, 2014
Assembly today at the Sacred Heart Primary School to give out more certificates for children who have done well with their reading. Then later in the evening it was a meet and greet event for our caterers Delaware North at the Emirates Stadium. There were many familiar faces who I usually see on match days all coming together for their annual awards.

Friday, June 6, 2014
Our disabled supporters held a Summer World Cup party tonight with special guests Tom Watt, John Radford, David Court and Pat Rice in attendance. Everyone was able to have their pictures taken with both the mens' and ladies' FA Cup’s, and on the night over £1,300 was raised for the Arsenal Foundation, with signed items and raffles.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014
St Mary’s Primary School was my venue today meeting up with the boys and girls for school assembly. Everyone was so excited to meet me . It’s the best ever going to schools.

Saturday, June 14, 2014
Went to Enfield today for St George’s School Fete. Being in Enfield it was close to the home of our rivals from White Hart Lane so you can imagine there were lots of boys and girls who supported Spurs, but I must say I had a great time. Apart from the usual stalls they also had a pony ride, face painting and later in the afternoon a raffle where I was on hand to give out the prizes. As you can imagine there were lots of pictures taken and I made lots of new friends.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014
I went along to Torriano Junior School today to officially open a new 3G pitch with the help of the Arsenal Foundation who funded some of the money to make it possible. I cut the ribbon and had class pictures taken with both the FA Cups won by our men and ladies this season.

Thursday, June 19, 2014
Today was my third visit to Bethnal Green Academy where we had a presentation of medals and certificates for those who had through the Arsenal Double Club been learning German. The boys had previously had visits from Per Mertersacker and Serge Gnabry had also taken part in a film and then visited Berlin as part of their involvement with after-school activities. The short 26-minute film was shown and I stuck around afterwards for some pictures. I then rushed back to Emirates Stadium to meet and greet guests arriving to watch the England v Uruguay game in the Diamond Club.

That’s all for now.
Big hugs from Gunner