Children invited to design a mascot for Galway United
BY UNA SINNOTT
Manchester United has Fred the Red, Chelsea has Stamford the Lion, and soon Galway United will have its own larger-than-life mascot cheering the team on from the sidelines. The children of Galway are being invited to come up with ideas for the new mascot, and the best design will be turned into a mascot outfit by the creative costume makers at Macnas.
The new mascot will be launched at the beginning of next season, and it is hoped the character will prove a hit with fans and help to boost local support for the team as part of a new marketing plan for the club.
The winner of the mascot competition will be a VIP guest at the team's first home game next season, walking out onto the pitch with the players and helping to launch the new mascot. A party for 10 people at Supermac's and a bag of Galway Utd goodies also await the person who comes up with the most exciting design.
"What we would like to see is a name and a drawing of the mascot," said Fearghal Murphy of the Galway Utd marketing team. "It can be anything that you want, from an animal to a made-up creature. It just has to be fun and colourful. Our friends at Macnas are going to help us build the winning idea."
The team are hoping for some wild and wonderful ideas which can be brought to life by Macnas for use at home games. The new mascot will also be incorporated in club merchandise and appear at public events around the city.
The competition is open to everyone from five to 11 years old, and entries must be in by Wednesday November 9. Entries should be marked Galway United mascot competition and can be sent to Galway United, Drum Soccer Park, Rahoon, or by e-mail to info@galwayunitedfc.ie
