New Unicorn leads Non-League Day fun

Ossett Albion are planning a campaign to win new fans after using Saturday’s Non-League Day to unveil their new junior mascot.

‘Goldie the Unicorn’ officially joined the ranks of the Evo-Stik NPL First Division North’s juniors after a summer naming competition won by youngster Freya Gothard, pictured being presented with her prize by Ossett Albion Chairman Stephen Hanks and Juniors Chairman Dave Lee.

The Unicorns say their new mascot will now be used to raise both the club's and their junior section's profile in the community via the club’s official website and local media.

The naming ceremony was part of Ossett Albion's Non-League Day celebrations with the Unicorns holding their latest ‘Mascot Day’ to attract families and news fans. Sixteen youngsters from Ossett Albion’s juniors were invited along to the Warehouse Systems Stadium to act as team mascots for the 1-1 draw with Burscough.

They met the players and trained on the pitch with head coach Phil Thompson before walking out with the teams to take part in the FA’s Respect handshake. The youngsters were also presented with Ossett Albion scarves and memento certificates before showing off their skills during a penalty shoot-out at half time.

The junior section's Secretary Ian Gothard said: "It was another great day out for our juniors with plenty of compliments received from parents who attended. One in particular, received from several parents, was how friendly the Albion players were to our juniors by talking to them and making them all feel really at ease."

Non-League Day, now a nationwide event supported by clubs up and down football’s Pyramid, was staged for the third year running after the day's previous success in attracting new fans to the Evo-Stik NPL and raising awareness of the Non-League game.

It was launched to encourage Non-League fans to bring along their friends and family who might normally head for Football League or Premier League matches and is staged during the October international football break when Premier League and Championship fixtures aren't scheduled.

More than half of Saturday's Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division fixtures took part in Non-League Day with many more from Evo-Stik NPL North and South running tickets offers and events for supporters.

This year's event attracted added attention with Sky Sports football commentator and Kingstonian coach Martin Tyler now the event's official ambassador.

Marine, Rushall Olympic, Ilkeston, Hednesford, Frickley Athletic, Matlock Town, Garforth, Radcliffe Borough, Ossett Albion, Coalville Town and Stamford were among the Evo-Stik NPL clubs with home games who took part.