Something Special
Today, we bring you a special report. Remembering a most historic day and the role one little lady played in it.
Let me introduce you to local gal, Ella.
Ella
Ella is 8 years old. She enjoys playing lots of sports. Tennis is one of her favourites and she also plays for Stokesley Girls Netball Team. At Roseberry School in Great Ayton she plays football in the after school club.
There are no girls only football teams in Stokesley or Ayton. Yet.
Mark
Ella’s dad is Mark. Mark runs Pearsons TV and Electrical. Pearsons initially moved to the Terry Dicken Business Park in 2017 after many years on the high street. They moved to a bigger showroom here a couple of years later.
Mark loves football but, like many of us, hates the disappointment so many England fans have suffered over the years.
Euronics
Pearsons, along with 450 other independent UK retailers, own a small share in the buying group – Euronics. As a member of Euronics, Pearsons offer their customers a wider choice of products at competitive prices. But more on that later.
Let’s hear from Mark.
UEFA Women’s Euro 22
“We entered Ella into a competition organised by Euronics, who sponsored the UEFA Woman’s Euro 22 tournament. To qualify for entry, girls had to be aged 6-10. Just 8 girls were picked to be a mascot at the Euro’s final at Wembley. The competition launched just after the quarter finals so it was a tense time waiting to see which names would be picked out of the hat.”
Getting picked
“Since seeing the Lionesses play Canada at the Riverside earlier in the year, Ella favoured Ella Toone. During that match she’d initially heard the commentator call her ‘Ella Two’. Shortly after we her nicknamed her ‘Ella One’!
Unsurprisingly, the whole family were delighted when Ella’s name was picked as a winner. Consequently, I got a ticket to the final so I was equally as thrilled!”
Match preparation
“All we had to do was get to Wembley 4 hours before the final kick off to take part in a practice session.”
No small feat considering the match was a sell out and train strikes were planned for that day!
“We drove down on Sunday morning and dropped Ella off at the stadium at 1pm, proudly wearing her England shirt. Jessica, Ella’s 5 year old sister narrowly missed being entered into the competition so was treated to a ‘me day’. Her choice being a trip to Clip and Climb, swiftly followed by an additional stop at McDonalds once she realised the enormity of the prize.”
So good, so good, so good
“With a couple of hours to kill I was really grateful to just soak up the atmosphere. Wembley was like a carnival. Really refreshing to see all the German and England fans mixed together. There were loads of families just having a great time.
What an unforgettable experience for Ella. She confidently walked onto pitch in front of 87,000 people. Taking it all completely in her stride, no visible nerves at all. After the national anthem finished, Ella and I sat together and enjoyed the match. It was the most amazing Father/Daughter time.”
Well I guess we all know what happens next ?
Pure magic
62’ Toone scores with an epic chip, Magul’s equaliser in the 78’ minute means the dreaded extra time. Millions of England fans fear penalties. Then, wait. No. That went in didn’t it?!? Chloe Kelly scores her first ever international tournament goal and England win 2-1. Finally, football is coming home. ????????
Celebrations
“We hung about for the victory lap at the end and the atmosphere was incredible. It took us over an hour to get down Wembley Way due to the celebrations. Such an amazing, unforgattable experience.
The following day, Ella and I were due to go sight-seeing. After hearing that the Lionesses would be at Trafalgar Square, we quickly changed plans. We figured the sights will be there forever, an opportunity to celebrate with a tournament winning team comes once in a lifetime. Ella even made the ITV news broadcast proudly waving her England flag. A quick stop at Hamleys to buy a present for her sister followed then we headed home having witnessed one of the greatest days in English history.”
Anyone seen the pictures of England Captain, Leah Williamson being a mascot? Watch this space. We may just have a Stokesley Lioness in the making ?
A word from Euronics
“At Euronics, we are a huge part of local communities and how we work has plenty in common with the values at the heart of women’s football.
This includes promoting health and wellbeing, building confidence as well as driving equality and social change. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor UEFA Women’s Football, helping to encourage and empower women and girls into the game.”
A word from Pearsons
“We hope you enjoyed reading about our experience. We’re really grateful to Euronics for the opportunity. Being part of this group gives many benefits. Moreover it allows us to carry a bigger range of products at more competitive prices. We work closely with a number of kitchen companies so can supply appliances at very competitive rates. This includes a full range of built-in appliances. With more space in our new showroom, we carry more stock. If we don’t have a product in, we can usually source it in a few days.”
The Men’s World Cup starts in November, shortly followed by the Women’s in July ’23. Why not treat yourself to a new TV and watch in style?
You’ll find Pearsons TV and Appliances at Unit 2, Terry Dicken Industrial Estate, Ellerbeck Way, Stokesley.
To discover how women and girls can get involved with football in the community visit –
https://www.englandfootball.com/play/club-football
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