Around 150 Albion fans had the experience of a lifetime yesterday (Saturday 21 May) as young Seagulls members and their families camped out on the famous Amex pitch for the night.
You could choose to pitch your tent wherever you liked on the northern half of the pitch.
Some opted for the spot where Jiri Skalak scored his wonder goal against QPR in April. Or where Bobby Zamora bagged his first ever Amex goal against Bristol City back in October.
The blades of grass around Will Buckley’s winner against Doncaster in the first competitive match at Falmer was also a popular choice.
Or even where David Stockdale saved a penalty against Birmingham in 2014. In fact the Albion keeper pitched his own tent very close to that penalty area – the ever humble Stocko, unfailingly friendly and happy to pose for selfies and a chat about the Albion. And he did win the biggest tent prize.
The evening started in the Heineken Lounge where everyone was treated to burger and chips and Manchester United beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Then it was down to the pitch to set up your tent followed by what else? A kick about within the inflatable pitch set-up by Albion in the Community staff including Albion ex-under 21 player Jimmy Muitt.
The dads had a game as well.
Then men and boys played a spontaneous match until it got too dark.
When it was time for “floodlights out” we were treated to the Minions Movie on the big screens.
The only slight dampener on a great night was the relentless overnight rain.
The first ball could be heard being kicked around by deliriously excited kids at around 4.30am today (Sunday 22 May).
Breakfast bacon rolls were served in the Heineken Lounge from around 6am.
Albion marketing man Tom Gorringe and his team made many dreams come true. And it should be noted that the event is totally free and open to all Young Seagulls members on a first come first served basis. But with obviously limited availability.
As one dad told Brighton and Hove News: “What a fantastic club this is. Such community spirit. They’re champions league when it comes to that.”
Dick Knight’s vision of never losing a generation of fans again is being realised. The boys, girls and parents at the Amex last night will be Albion fans forever.
