Clydebank charity invited to join Celtic stars at football match

Fifteen members of Golden Friendships walked out onto the pitch as mascots at St Roch’s centenary celebration game on Sunday.

Mathew Kelly, Golden Friendships' ambassador, with Frank McAvennie (Image: Jim McLaren)The North-east Glasgow side’s stadium is named after Jimmy McGrory who played a season for Clydebank FC.

To mark the club’s link with the town the group was invited along to join in on the celebrations.

Smiles all round (Image: Jim McLaren)There were even some star-studded guests including Brendan Rodgers, Tommy Sheridan, and Frank McAvennie, to name a few.

Fun was had by all (Image: Jim McLaren)Jim McLaren, founder of Golden Friendships, said: “St Roch’s is celebrating their centenary year. Their stadium is called the Jimmy McGrory Stadium and as he played a season for Clydebank they wanted some representation from our town.

“They [St Roch’s] called and asked if I could take some of our members along as mascots to walk out with the Celtic select.

“Our members all loved it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They got to walk out with Joe Miller, Rudi Vata, John Hughes, and Tosh McKinlay.

“It was a memorable day and they were provided with goodie bags with a programme and commemorative medal to mark the occasion.”

Among those walking out onto the pitch was Mathew Kelly, the charity’s ambassador.

Mathew said: ''I never thought I'd have had the opportunity to walk out onto the field with the Celtic players.

“It was a beautiful moment standing in line with them in front of 2000 supporters. I had the pleasure of meeting Frank McAvennie, and Bobby Petta and got photos with them.

“It was a day I'll never forget.''