Father and daughter’s rugby league ‘bug’
A father and daughter will experience The Brick Community Stadium for the first time tomorrow having caught a ‘rugby league bug’ following the Warriors last season.
Paul and Rebecca Clarke set off on a four-hour journey from their home in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, to Wigan early this morning ahead of the Cherry and Whites Betfred Super League Round 4 clash against Huddersfield Giants.
Having supported Wigan for more than three decades, Paul shared a special moment with Rebecca last year when the pair watched the Warriors beat London Broncos 60-22 from the away end at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
After being enthralled by what she saw in her first match, Rebecca returned to the capital three months later to watch Wigan Warriors lift the Betfred Challenge Cup at Wembley Stadium alongside Paul, mum Liza and younger sister Emily.
“It was the excitement that I instantly fell in love with,” 13-year-old Rebecca said. “They were incredible days out as a family in which everyone was hooked on the game and the atmosphere. I’d never felt an urge to watch football, but whenever Wigan play now, I must put the game on.”
Alongside witnessing the Warriors lift silverware under the Wembley arch, the memories created beside his daughter will be everlasting for Paul.
“It’s nice having a shared interest,” he said. “It’s great we have that desire to watch matches, but it’s even more special when we are there in-person to experience one together.
“My younger daughter is jealous that we are travelling to Wigan this weekend, but that’s more because we are staying in a hotel rather than the game itself. Hopefully this will be the first of many matches we’ll get to see throughout the season.”
Having eagerly watched the Warriors create history in Las Vegas last weekend, Paul and Rebecca hold even more enthusiasm ahead of their 450-mile trip to The Brick Community Stadium.
“It will be great to get to a home match and take in the atmosphere at the stadium,” Paul said. “We face a few logistical challenges such as transport and accommodation, but that hasn’t stopped us looking at the fixture list and planning future matches.
“Our first stop when we arrive will certainly be the Club shop to pick up our essentials. That’s when we’ll be able to get a first look at the stadium which will add to our excitement.”
Sharing the thrill, Rebecca added: “I cannot wait to experience the atmosphere and hear all the chants. Even the other things like getting a shirt and a hot dog is something I’m looking forward to because that’s just part of a matchday.”
Paul and Rebecca will be amongst many supporters hoping to see Matt Peet’s side replicate their sensational showing in the United States, which saw Wigan defeat Warrington Wolves 48-24 at the Allegiant Stadium.
“We’ve booked our tickets near the front like we did at London,” Paul added. “Hopefully we’ll be able to meet some of the players afterwards for autographs and photos which will make the experience even more special. Rebecca hasn’t seen us lose yet in-person so hopefully that continues.”
Join Paul and Rebecca at The Brick Community Stadium by securing your tickets online HERE.
