Morecambe FC celebrated its annual ‘Academy Day’ on Saturday as the Shrimps drew 1-1 with Gillingham in Sky Bet League One.
Young players from the youth set up were invited to bring their families to Mazuma Stadium, to support the first-team and experience the matchday atmosphere.
Academy Day is intended to highlight the work of the youth department, showing Morecambe fans how much the youth system has developed over the years, and how many players that train and play for the Club on a regular basis.
Age groups from Under 7s to Under 18s were in attendance on Saturday and together with their coaching staff, were presented to the Shrimps’ supporters at half-time, taking a lap around the pitch.
Academy Manager Stewart Drummond said: “The recent home fixture against Gillingham saw a return of our Academy Day format, after an enforced absence through COVID-19.
“Despite the weather conditions there was a fantastic turn out from our Academy players, parents and staff with more than 600 in attendance from the Academy, to celebrate our boys and to experience a first-team game to see where they are aiming to be in years to come.
“It hopefully widens the understanding of fans and the Club of what an operation the Academy is now, and how many people it works with in trying to produce footballers for the club.
“I would like to thank the supporters for cheering the boys around the pitch and for the work and support from some Club staff that went into making it a positive event for the boys.
“The buy-in from Stephen Robinson and his first-team staff and Ryan Daly and his media team, has been really positive this season so special thanks to them. As well as our own Dave Chandler who works tirelessly behind the scenes pulling things together.”