Almost a year ago, after making some away games in the 23/24 season, Luke decided he wanted to visit every football stadium in League 2. A lofty ambition for an 11 year old, P7 whose skint and only method of transport is his push bike and a skateboard! But after (not) much persuasion we decided 24/25 would be the year we hit the road.
Luke’s journey began with a birthday trip to Easter Road for the cup game. And then back down the road the following week for Bonnyrigg Rose and the first league game of the season. Ben Armour’s last minute winner made that trip to the capital better than the previous week. Over the course of the season we (mum and dad as taxi drivers) would visit everywhere from Elgin to Stranraer and Forfar to Stirling. We took a caravan holiday to go to Stair Park in Stranraer, we had nights away in Methil to go to Bayview. As a family we made amazing memories on our journey up and down (but mostly down) the road! We saw some wonder goals (Danny), some hilarious moments (McCarthy wellying the ball off the goalie at Forfar 🤣) and some not so good moments (Elgin- never going back! Ever!) but that is the beautiful game! Luke has loved every moment of this season and he was absolutely devastated to miss Peterhead winning the league at Balmoor as we were on holiday. Really terrible planning by his parents 🙈 We landed back from our holiday on Friday and stayed overnight in Hamilton so he could complete his list and make it to Clyde for the last game of the season. Yesterday’s game (despite the score) signified everything we love about Peterhead FC. Luke got to take part in the half time cross bar challenge alongside lads from the Supporters club, he was lucky enough to get Caleb Goldie’s match shirt and thanks to Jamie McNee and his wonderful wife, got a photo with the League 2 trophy and Andy McCarthy. The players and staff went above and beyond for this young supporter and he is so thankful.
He’s also had some epic memories at Balmoor, being lucky enough to be mascot with his best friend, getting to be Sammy the Scurry for the day (Luke’s personal highlight) and a cheeky wee hospitality experience.
He now can’t wait to do it all over again for League 1! And eventually he wants to visit all the stadiums in the SPFL! (Mum says he can go to Annan when he is old enough to drive himself!) If you ask him, his favourite stadium other than Balmoor was Ainslie Park and the least favourite was Meadowbank. Usually the rating system was down to the quality of the pies on offer rather than the performance 🤣
We just want to say thank you for all the moments, highs and low and the memories we’ve been able to make by following our team home and away. We hope that all the players and staff get a well deserved break before the football starts again. We wish those who are moving on, the absolute best in their careers or where ever the future takes them. Luke will see you all on the road for League 1 in August!
A very grateful,
Luke Bland (and parents) x
