NASC TREATS LOCAL GOONER ANDREW BETTS TO A MATCH DAY EXPERIENCE
Norfolk Arsenal Supporters Club has a very proud and honourable tradition of supporting charities, the local community and fellow Gooners. So when we read about the bravery of local Arsenal Fan Andrew Betts, who's battle against a life threatening illness was featured in the Norwich Evening News, we were determined to help.
We treated Andrew and his mother to a trip to the Emirates to watch Arsenal demolish Watford, and Andrew very kindly took the trouble to send us his thoughts on the day. Here, in his words, is an account of his day out with NASC.
"The call had come, the plans had been made, and through the generosity of others, a dream was about to come true. Since Arsenal Football Club announced the development of their new stadium at Ashburton Grove, I had dreamed of sitting amongst the 60,000 strong crowd, cheering at the top of my voice as another perfectly crafted move culminated in the ball being stroked majestically into the opponents net. This dream came true on Saturday October 14th 2006.
Norwich's Arscnal supporters club had generously clubbed together to pay for me and my mother, a new convert to the mesmerising skills of Arsenal Football Club, to have a day out to watch Arsenal play Watford at the Emirates stadium.
From the moment I stepped onto the coach, I could feel the passion emanating from my fellow travellers, which I have felt myself for years supporting the team I love. The long journey disappeared in a blur of excitement and before I knew it we were standing outside the unfamiliar sight of the new stadium with its huge and imposing facade. I suppose I was experiencing what thousands before me had felt, excitement at the prospect of watching a winning perfonnance within this celebration of modem stadia, tempered by the sadness of never again experiencing the homely atmosphere of our beloved Highbury.
ANDREW AND BRIAN 'BOULDY' SADLER AT THE EMIRATES
If the day was not special enough already, it was a privilege to watch Arsene Wenger being presented with a special book to mark the 10th anniversary of his first game in charge. With the presentation over, it was time to sit back and savour the skills that only a Wenger crafted team can produce.
With the team having won their last five games, the expectation of the 60,000 fans was high, and of course the team didn't disappoint. The intricate one and two touch passing game that has graced Highbury for a decade was in evidence from the start. Wenger had handed a starting position to Theo Walcott for the first time, something that the youngster seemed to relish as he fitted effortlessly into Arsenal's mesmerising pattern of play.
The volume created by the crowd was nothing like I had experienced in my life before, but sccmed all too familiar to the players as they swept forward with wave after wave of hypnotic football. Ninety minutes and three goals later, it was over. I sat momentarily absorbing the last of the electric atmosphere, reluctant to leave.
Back at the coach I sat quietly for a while, trying to think of a way to show my appreciation for the generosity shown towards my mother and myself. No words or actions seemed enough at the time or since. So I would just like to say this to all at the Norwich Arsenal supporters club. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality and for making my dream come true.
Andrew Betts.
The NASC committee would like to express our thanks to members for supporting us in giving Andrew a day to remember, and especially Brian Sadler for his part in liaising with Andrew and his involvement on the day.
We send Andrew and his family our very best wishes for their future health and happinness.
We treated Andrew and his mother to a trip to the Emirates to watch Arsenal demolish Watford, and Andrew very kindly took the trouble to send us his thoughts on the day. Here, in his words, is an account of his day out with NASC.
"The call had come, the plans had been made, and through the generosity of others, a dream was about to come true. Since Arsenal Football Club announced the development of their new stadium at Ashburton Grove, I had dreamed of sitting amongst the 60,000 strong crowd, cheering at the top of my voice as another perfectly crafted move culminated in the ball being stroked majestically into the opponents net. This dream came true on Saturday October 14th 2006.
Norwich's Arscnal supporters club had generously clubbed together to pay for me and my mother, a new convert to the mesmerising skills of Arsenal Football Club, to have a day out to watch Arsenal play Watford at the Emirates stadium.
From the moment I stepped onto the coach, I could feel the passion emanating from my fellow travellers, which I have felt myself for years supporting the team I love. The long journey disappeared in a blur of excitement and before I knew it we were standing outside the unfamiliar sight of the new stadium with its huge and imposing facade. I suppose I was experiencing what thousands before me had felt, excitement at the prospect of watching a winning perfonnance within this celebration of modem stadia, tempered by the sadness of never again experiencing the homely atmosphere of our beloved Highbury.
ANDREW AND BRIAN 'BOULDY' SADLER AT THE EMIRATES
If the day was not special enough already, it was a privilege to watch Arsene Wenger being presented with a special book to mark the 10th anniversary of his first game in charge. With the presentation over, it was time to sit back and savour the skills that only a Wenger crafted team can produce.
With the team having won their last five games, the expectation of the 60,000 fans was high, and of course the team didn't disappoint. The intricate one and two touch passing game that has graced Highbury for a decade was in evidence from the start. Wenger had handed a starting position to Theo Walcott for the first time, something that the youngster seemed to relish as he fitted effortlessly into Arsenal's mesmerising pattern of play.
The volume created by the crowd was nothing like I had experienced in my life before, but sccmed all too familiar to the players as they swept forward with wave after wave of hypnotic football. Ninety minutes and three goals later, it was over. I sat momentarily absorbing the last of the electric atmosphere, reluctant to leave.
Back at the coach I sat quietly for a while, trying to think of a way to show my appreciation for the generosity shown towards my mother and myself. No words or actions seemed enough at the time or since. So I would just like to say this to all at the Norwich Arsenal supporters club. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality and for making my dream come true.
Andrew Betts.
The NASC committee would like to express our thanks to members for supporting us in giving Andrew a day to remember, and especially Brian Sadler for his part in liaising with Andrew and his involvement on the day.
We send Andrew and his family our very best wishes for their future health and happinness.
