Kieran Wilson was travelling on a family holiday to New York from Manchester Airport when he spotted winger Sancho in the queue next to him.

Starstruck, the 19-year-old approached Sancho, 23, for a picture, which the England international gladly agreed to.

However, it was only after later viewing the snap that Kieran from Manchester, Lancashire, realised that the pair had been photobombed by none other than former World’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall.

In the picture, Kieran is standing towards the front of the passport control queue alongside the former Borussia Dortmund forward.

Sancho, clad in a simple grey hoodie and a black cap, smiles with his arm around Kieran as fellow passengers glance at the duo.

However, in the background of the photo, the hulking figure of 35-year-old Hall can be seen, towering over his fellow passengers.

The six-time UK’s Strongest Man champion sports a mohawk and a black t-shirt that reads “Beast” as he wryly smiles at the camera, with both Kieran and Sancho seemingly blissfully unaware of his presence.

Kieran shared the photo with a Premier League player-dedicated social media account on Wednesday who duly shared it online.

The caption reads: “Jadon Sancho was on my flight to New York. I asked him for a photo in the passport control queue, it was only later I realised that Eddie Hall was photobombing us.”

The post has since received over 6,000 likes and dozens of comments by fans left stunned by Hall’s cameo appearance.

One user joked: “The two kings of the bench.”

Another said: “Crazy photo.”

A third commented: “Possibly the best submission yet.”

Another quipped: “Both love the bench.”

Speaking today Kieran said: “I had a friend who was in first class, I spoke to him during the flight and he said Jadon Sancho was sat near him, obviously I didn’t believe him at first.

“We got off the flight, still chatting to him and I eventually saw Sancho and made sure we were next to him in the passport control queue.

“I was absolutely starstruck to see him before my very eyes, on his own less than a metre away from me.

“I eventually plucked up the courage to ask Jadon for a photo, he was more than happy to and we got a few snaps before leaving him alone.

“Somehow from my memory, we were the only people on the entire flight to ask him for a photo, despite the plane leaving from Manchester.

“It was good conversation, we spoke a little bit about United’s season, his time at Dortmund as one of my good friends is a Dortmund fan, and about football in general.

“We eventually got through the passport border, grabbing our suitcases not far away from him before he came over and politely said it was nice to meet us and to enjoy our holiday.

“My friend had a better phone than me so I used his to grab the photo so I could get the best quality picture I could, but this wasn’t before I used my phone to grab the first one, which is the one where you can see Eddie.

“The funny part is, Eddie is turned towards our photo, fully in shot and even pulled his mask down to show it was definitely him.

“Overall, that whole hour or so was a memory I’ll remember forever, not only how nice Jadon was and the conversation we had, but to get that photo with Eddie in the background was unbelievable!”

Sancho was controversially dropped from Manchester United’s matchday squad amid their 3-1 loss to Arsenal last weekend.

Red Devils manager Erik Ten Hag then explained to press his reasoning for Sancho’s lack of involvement, saying: “Jadon, on his performance in training, was not selected.

“You have to reach a level at Manchester United every day and we can make choices in the front line. So, for this game he was not selected.”

The attacker then tweeted his side of the story posting: “”Please don’t believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue.

“I have conducted myself in training very well this week. I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into.

“I have been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair! All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to my team.

“I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players… I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!”

The England international has been capped 23 times but didn’t make the cut for Gareth Southgate’s squad in their upcoming fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland.

The post Footie fan snaps photo with Man Utd star Jadon Sancho – only to later notice surprise strongman cameo in the background appeared first on Deadline News.

Formed in 1940, the club known locally as Hutchie Vale supports the development of over 400 young girls and boys with regular training opportunities, coaches, and club matches.

The Kids School programme is held every Monday for young players looking to enhance their skills and gain invaluable experience on the field. 

Hutchison Vale has a track record of nurturing talent to bring youth players into the professional league, with club alumni including Edinburgh City striker Ryan Shanley and Paul Hanlon, defender and club captain for Hibernian FC. 

Headquartered in Fife, Pinpoint develops, manufactures, and installs staff alarm systems for high-risk environments where employees may need to call for assistance urgently. 

The Leven business has sponsored the semi-professional football club East Fife FC, whose grounds are just a stone’s through away from Pinpoint’s headquarters, for over 15 years.

Now, the family-run organisation is increasing its support of amateur players in the Edinburgh area. 

Daniel Waring, Pinpoint CEO, said: “Pinpoint is keen to make a positive impact on the community.

“We’re big believers in the importance of sport in building young people’s confidence, teamwork, discipline and respect.

“When a member of staff shared that their children’s football club was on the lookout for sponsors, it felt like the perfect fit.

“We look forward to attending club matches and cheering on ‘Hutchie Vale’!” Daniel added.

Tam Smith, leader of Hutchison Vale’s Kids School, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Pinpoint for their sponsorship of the Kids School.

“Their support will help us to provide enhanced training and match opportunities for the Kids School to nurture the best out of our young people.”

The post Sponsorship boost for Edinburgh’s Hutchie Vale FC from business Pinpoint appeared first on Deadline News.

Stephen Flynn, Leader of the SNP in the House of Commons, hit out at the controversial new proposals for Scottish football fans following an open consultation published by the government.

The plans have since been met by backlash and concerns from fans, as well as the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

Flynn, 34, is the latest to criticise the proposals, which have previously been branded “draconian” and “an attack on civil liberties”.

The proposals, which appear to only apply to football and no other sports or large-scale events, include imposing limits on how many fans buses can carry and restricting where they can stop.

The proposals suggest that anyone running a bus would have to inform a “dedicated football officer” (DFO) 48 hours before the match of the number of supporters expected to travel.

Buses would also not be allowed to stop within ten miles of the venue either enroute to, or on departure from the event without prior agreement from a DFO.

Vehicle operators would also be expected to notify DFOs of offensive chanting which had taken place during the journey to the ground.

Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, took to social media yesterday in reaction to the proposals, writing: “Unworkable, unmanageable, unenforceable. Get in the bin.

“The clubs these fans support can be a huge force for good and more folk attend matches in Scotland than anywhere else in Europe. Celebrate them, don’t punish them.”

Flynn’s post has since received over 2,300 likes and more than 130 comments from Scots left in agreement.

One user said: “Why would UK Gov have any say over Scotland on this. I’m genuinely confused.”

Another replied: “Hear hear.”

A third commented: “Whether it’s workable or not is beside the point. What’s it actually for? What problem is it fixing? Was there research done on the impact to football adjacent businesses?”

Another wrote: “The attitude to football supporters comes through loud and clear in this. Disgraceful!”

A fifth added: “I used to think we were in danger of becoming a nanny state by stealth but now it’s absolutely blatant. What a disgrace.”

In addition to reaction from fans, the UK Government has faced cross-party criticism from Holyrood, with Conservative MSP Douglas Ross writing: “These ludicrous plans are completely disproportionate.

“The proposals make no sense for the Scottish game and should be scrapped immediately. I’ve made that clear to the UK government.”

SNP’s Maree Todd added: “ScotGov was not consulted prior to publication of the proposals. I will ensure that the vast majority of law-abiding fans are heard.”

The post SNP leader slams “unmanageable” football away fan proposals by government appeared first on Deadline News.

Learning to swim is being celebrated throughout September in Scotland as part of a country-wide initiative.

Swimming will take centre stage in September as local authorities, leisure trusts, and aquatic providers across Scotland coordinate a month of festivities centred around swimming to inspire people of all ages and abilities to become safe and confident swimmers.

The Learn to Swim national framework – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – has already seen more than 100,000 children take part in lessons up and down the country and is targeting another 100,000 by 2025.

At the centre of the celebrations is the commitment of creating supportive and quality environments in which people of all ages can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level.

A total of 38 Leisure Trusts and Aquatic Providers are now welcoming children back after the summer holidays in more than 163 pools across Scotland.

Euan Lowe, Chief Executive Officer at Scottish Swimming, said: “Learning to swim is a crucial life skill and it’s so important that every individual across Scotland has the opportunity to learn how to be confident and safe in the water.

Duncan Scott and Toni Shaw, Learn to Swim ambassadors and swim superstars who both recently achieved success at the World Championships, are championing the month and continue their good work to help to inspire and encourage youngsters across the country to take to the water and learn to swim.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water, said: “Our vision for the Learn to Swim programme is to create ‘Generation Swim’, a generation of safe and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence – so it’s brilliant to have a month dedicated to such a fundamental life skill.” 

Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop safe and competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out.  

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit https://learntoswim.scot/

The post Over 76,000 youngsters celebrate Learn to Swim Month appeared first on Deadline News.

The former Scotland forward appeared on the 26 podcast last month where he told how he managed to spot his family members as he celebrated his strike against Hearts.

The 33-year-old notched 123 goals during his eight-year spell at Celtic Park, but recalled how his first goal for the Glasgow side wasn’t particularly welcomed by his own family.

The goal came in the second half of a 2-0 Celtic win, and Griffiths recalled: “I remember seeing my two cousins in the stand.

“My two Hearts fans, my cousins, over in the stand and it wasn’t until I slid on my knees and I stood up and I was looking, I just seen them giving me dogs abuse.”

The podcast host can’t believe his ears and asks: “Oh were they giving you it?”

Griffiths immediately doubles down with his reply, stating: “Oh, stinking dog’s abuse and I was like ‘Okay I’ve made it now’, especially when your family members are giving you dog’s abuse.”

The 22 times capped striker then recalled the rest of his celebration at Tynecastle Park adding: “That’s the best part man, then after that I’ve just done a massive loop past all the Celtic fans.

“I didn’t even thank the Celtic fans, which was stupid of me, I just did this massive loop and went to the manager.”

The Celtic manager at the time was Neil Lennon who had made no secret of his desire to land Griffiths in 2014.

The Northern Irishman saw two bids knocked back by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers before a third was accepted to bring the forward back to Scotland.

The clip was shared online last month with the caption: “Leigh giving it to his cousins in the stand.”

It received more than 8,000 likes with dozens of comments from social media users quick to offer their view on the situation.

One said: “What a left foot, chief.”

Another added: “Great player, shocking attitude, always looking to blame.”

Griffiths now plays in Australia for Mandurah City FC in the Western Australia State League Division One, where he has scored 11 times in 15 league games so far.

The post Ex-Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths reveals his own COUSINS booed him after first goal for the Hoops appeared first on Deadline News.

The 26-year-old left back has signed on a season-long loan for Spanish La Liga side real Sociedad from Arsenal, who he joined from boyhood club Celtic in 2019 for a then-club record fee of £25m.

Despite winning the FA Cup with the Gunners in 2020, the Scot has found opportunities hard to come by at the Emirates Stadium and was replaced by Ukrainian Olaksandr Zinchenko last season.

This season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has allowed the 39-capped international to find much needed game time in Spain.

However, in an interview-style video posted by his new side, fans were quick to notice Tierney’s subdued attitude, with some positing that the defender “doesn’t want to be there”.

The video opens with Tierney, dressed in a Real Sociedad polo shirt, sitting in the club’s dressing room as an off-screen interviewer introduces him.

Presented in a speedy back-and-forth style, the interviewer opens by asking the former Celtic starlet for his full name, to which he simply replies: “Kieran Tierney.”

The interviewer then asks for Tierney’s nickname, which he answers: “KT.”

The Scotsman replies with short responses and an expressionless look as the interviewer asks: “A childhood idol?”

Tierney says: “Henrik Larsson.”

The interview ponders: “A match you will never forget?”

An almost upset-looking Tierney says: “My first Celtic and Rangers league match.”

The interview continues: “If you didn’t play as a left-back, in which position would you like to play?”

The Scotsman ponders this, saying “Maybe centre back”, without elaborating any further.

The interviewer continues, asking Tierney whether he would rather score or assist a goal, with Tierney bluntly answering the latter.

He is then asked which stadium he would like to play in, to which Tierney replies, with little enthusiasm, “Real Arena”, despite it being the home ground of his new club.

Asked what his dream in football is, Tierney appears to almost brush the question off, replying: “To win so many trophies.”

The interviewer concludes, asking: “And finally, what advice did Martin Odegaard give you?”

Referencing his Arsenal teammate and fellow former Sociedad player, Tierney reveals: “He said ‘you will love this club and you will love the people so just go and enjoy’.”

The video was shared to social media by Real Sociedad on Tuesday with the caption: “Pin Pon Challenge with Kieran Tierney.”

The clip has since received over 34,000 likes and hundreds of comments from fans left concerned by Tierney’s seemingly miserable attitude.

One user sarcastically wrote: “He looks so happy.”

Another commented: “Seems like a right bundle of joy. Definitely someone you’d want to be in the dressing room with.”

A third replied: “He doesn’t want to be there, Arsenal have made a mistake with this one.”

Another said: “He’s so depressed to be there. I’m gutted it’s not worked out at Arsenal.”

A fifth added: “He looks miserable. Come home KT.”

Another quizzed: “He’s probably pissed off and very confused that he’s one of the best fullbacks in Europe but about 27th choice left back at Arsenal.”

Speaking in his unveiling press conference to the media, Tierney said: “I left because last season I couldn’t play a lot and what I wanted was to play a lot of games and I wanted to try to do it at Real.

“I don’t have any problem with Arsenal. Knowing that Real wanted to have me here, feeling all the love from the people here was very good.

“Being in the Basque Country, having the experience of living here and playing in La Liga, is something I am very proud of. I hope things are going very well for me here.”

Fellow Scot David Moyes managed the San Sebastián club from November 2014 until he was sacked after a poor start to the following campaign just a year later in November 2015.

Real Sociedad currently sit in 12th place having drawn their opening three games, and have been drawn into group D in the Champions League where they will face Inter Milan, Benfica and Red Bull Salzburg.

The post “Seems like a right bundle of joy”: Footie fans left dismayed by Kieran Tierney’s “miserable” interview for new club appeared first on Deadline News.

The long-time presenter was hosting TalkSport Breakfast alongside Shebahn Aherne and ex-Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor yesterday when the former raised the topic of a three-way couple.

Despite boxer David Haye being perhaps the most famous example after being in a series of throuples – including one with Saturdays singer Una Healy – Brazil was left thoroughly unimpressed.

The hilarious clip begins with Shebahn turning to Alan Brazil and saying: “Throuples.”

The 64-year-old seems nonplussed with the word, asking: “What’s that?”

Shebahn then takes a breath before looking at her screen to explain clearly the notion of a throuple.

She says: “A throuple is where three people decide to have a relationship it may vary between different throuples as to what the exact agreements are in some situations.

“There is a closed throuple where they are exclusively within three people – so say you and Jill and whoever you invite into your partnership.”

The former Ipswich striker however, has no intention of entertaining Shebahn saying: “Don’t be stupid.”

Undeterred, fellow Scot Shebahn continues to probe for an answer asking: “Would you not?”

She is cut off by Brazil who exasperatedly repeats himself stating: “Don’t be stupid.”

However, sensing that there is a chance to wind up her fellow Celtic supporter, the co-host continues to enquire about throuples.

Shebahn begins to smile and asks: “What if Jill came to you and said ‘Alan, I’ve met someone, the gardener down the lane who gardens naked is fit’.

“’I’d like to invite him into our couple, and we become a throuple’.”

The presenter and Agbonlahor both then begin to chuckle as Brazil explains exactly what he would do if that situation arose.

Brazil looks them both in the eyes and claims: “Do you know what I would do? Get out my passport and head to [London] City airport, viva Espana.”

Aware that Brazil has no intention of discussing the topic, Shebahn decides to come clean as to why the topic is being discussed.

She says: “David Haye does it, that’s why we’re talking about it this morning because it’s in The Sun today.”

Unimpressed, Brazil offers a scathing put-down of the boxer saying: “He’s had too many punches to the side of his head.”

Agbonlahor interjects having remained quiet for most of the discussing, asking: “Are you really against it, Al?”

Brazil turns to face the former Villa striker with a withering reply: “What? Oh listen to lover boy over here.”

This leads Shebahn to enquire whether Agbonlahor would ever entertain the notion of a throuple.

The former Aston Villa captain offers a wry smile along with his explanation saying: “I don’t mind it, me.”

Brazil seems to have come to the end of his tether and says: “Away you go, I’m not even talking about this – the world’s gone mad.”

However, keen to sway his friend, Agbonlahor states: “But Al, sometimes though when you’re lying on the sofa Shebahn, you’re having a nice cuddle sometimes you’ve got an arm free haven’t you?

“So I’m all for it me, I don’t mind it.”

Host Brazil isn’t for it and leans towards his mic bringing his pal back to reality says: “Gabby you’ve got seven kids.”

This leads to the studio bursting into laughter before Agbonlahor asks Shebahn whether she could entertain another partner.

However, the Glasgow born radio host reveals her hands are full, saying: “No I couldn’t, I just don’t have the energy for one husband to manage never mind -.”

She interjects herself as her thoughts turn to who would get to pick the partner and what gender they would be.

She says: “That’s the thing, who gets to choose what the gender is as well?”

But Brazil is finished with the conversation stating: “Don’t go there, not on this show. I’m not doing it – get lost.”

The post TalkSport host Alan Brazil fumes after throuples discussion with co-hosts appeared first on Deadline News.

Lew Reed edited a snap of Liverpool manager Klopp from a photo taken of him in the technical area in Sunday’s fixture against The Magpies.

The game itself was steeped in controversy when Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk was sent off just moments after Newcastle went 1-0 up.

On the sidelines, Tindall – who has gained a reputation for his outspoken and passionate displays on the bench – signalled for the Liverpool manager to shush after complaining about the red card decision.

Despite being a man down for the majority of the game, Liverpool produced a dramatic comeback to win 1-2 thanks to a brace from Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez.

However, many people were focused on Tindall’s antagonistic gesture towards the German manager, allowing graphic designer Lew to seize his chance to create the perfect edit.

In the original photo taken of Klopp, he is facing the opposing bench whilst standing with his hands resting on his side as he smugly smiles towards his opposite numbers Tindall and Eddie Howe.

In the edited version Lew, from Manchester, altered the image so that Klopp holds his hand towards his lips, also signalling a shush gesture over his gleeful face.

The 21-year-old even managed to roll up Klopp’s shirt sleeves and add a watch onto his wrist, as well as watermarking his name “Lewvisuals” on a member of Liverpool’s coaching staff behind Klopp.

Manchester United fan Lew posted the edited picture to social media on Sunday with the caption: “Klopp” alongside two crying emojis.

The post has since received over 5,000 likes and was shared across social media, being reposted by former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher and even appearing in the pages of major UK newspapers.

Lew later added to the post saying: “The whole of Twitter has no idea…” with a picture of his edit and another zoomed into his watermark.

Thousands of users were quick to flock to the comment section in disbelief that Lew had seemingly tricked the sporting world with a simple two-minute edit.

One user wrote: “Real ones remember the first time Mr Lewvisuals baited the whole of Twitter.”

Another replied with a GIF of Klopp shrugging with the caption: “Fair play.”

A third commented: “Fairs, I actually believed it.”

Another user said: “That is insane, got fully baited.”

Speaking today Lew said: “I’ve honestly found it hilarious as it got way more out of hand than expected.

“The original idea was just to make a few people laugh with Klopp giving it back to the Newcastle bench and next thing I knew it was in The Telegraph.

“Going off just a few accounts on here the number for the picture being seen is upwards of 30 to 40 million and that’s not taking any other platforms into account.

“I initially posted to trick a few of my followers as I knew they’d find it funny after the events earlier in the game.

“It took no more than two minutes to make, kind of crazy the smallest edit I’ve ever published is my most seen ever.

“I left my job in July so I could pursue freelance design and so far, it’s gone great, I must admit this whole Klopp thing has 100% helped a lot with clients over the last couple of days though!”

The post Footie fan tricks footballing world with edit of Jurgen Klopp “shushing” Jason Tindall appeared first on Deadline News.

William ‘Billy’ Richardson wed partner Kim two weeks ago at Durham Registry Office in the city of Durham, just 30 minutes’ drive from his beloved team’s home ground of St James’ Park.

However, the 61-year-old and his wife, 55, decided that, having both been married before and not wanting any fuss, they’d opt for a different dress code at their ceremony.

In true Geordie fashion, Billy donned his Magpies shirt and a pair of jeans to take the vows – whilst watched on by Manchester United and Sunderland fans in similar get-up.

One snap shows Billy and Kim leaving the registry office with Billy sporting his brand new 2023/24 season Newcastle United shirt.

Sporting the side’s traditional black and white stripes, Billy has tucked the £70 shirt into his blue jeans, and wears a simple pair of black trainers to complete his wedding day outfit.

Meanwhile, Kim continues Newcastle’s colour scheme, wearing a black and white floral-patterned dress whilst also holding a bouquet of flowers.

Billy proudly shared the photo to social media a day later, saying: “Got married 14/08/23 – no suits allowed – in a Newcastle top and jeans, only way to get married, [Haway the lads].”

The snap has since received over 440 likes and dozens of comments from fellow Toon fans, whilst also racking up a further 8,000 likes and being shared elsewhere.

One member wrote: “Aw congratulations to you both, I always said if I was to get married (can’t even get a fella) it was going to be at St James’ Park.”

Another commented: “Ah you tucked it in though.”

A third said: “Heroes don’t wear capes.”

Another added : “Brilliant, I hate having to wear a suit and a collar and tie, that’s for court appearances only.”

A fifth joked: “Was Mike Ashley the wedding planner?”

Speaking today Billy’s wife Kim said: “We’ve both been married before, and we didn’t want the pomp and fuss of a big do.

“Billy and I just wanted to do things in a way we would both be comfortable, especially with our health issues.

“We agreed no suits or big wedding dresses, so it became the theme of football shirts and jeans, and the women could either wear the same or dress up.

“We had two Manchester United supporters, and a Sunderland supporter as part of our family guests, and then it turned out that the lady conducting the wedding was also a Sunderland supporter – it was great.

“We have been through the mill but come through it all, and on 13 August 2023 we had been together 15 years.

“Billy was one of my regular customers at the local Co-op, he used to call me pet, and I thought he was cute, then I plucked up the courage and gave him my phone number and two weeks later we got together.

“It turned out that our youngest sons already knew each other, and had gamer’s nights at each other’s houses, so we already knew each other’s kids before we met.

“When we got the boys together to tell them we were an item, they looked at each other and laughed.

“Billy and I both have arthritis, and can no longer work, and we came into a bit of money last year, so we decided to get married. We then went on honeymoon to Scarborough for a few days.”

Kim continued: “The ceremony itself was perfect and Ann (the registrar) made it football-themed, then I told Billy she was a Sunderland supporter after signing the register so we all had a laugh.

“Unfortunately, it was raining hard during the day so we did not get any group photos outside but we went back to our local pub for a few drinks and we were surprised with a wedding cake with our picture on it. It was the perfect day.

“Billy is a massive [Newcastle] fan, he used to have two season tickets and went to every home game he could, but ill health stopped it as he is unable to travel far any more.

“He even said if he couldn’t get married in his Toon top, he wasn’t getting married.

“It was his day too and I love the Toon almost as much as him, which is why I had a black and white dress, and during the signing of the register the music we chose to play was Local Hero.

“Like I say, it was Billy’s day too so we planned it all together and we loved every minute of it all.

“We had no idea until a friend commented on our photo that it had gone viral, I asked him what it meant, and he told us about the post and we were both amazed and excited.

“It had been viewed 1.3 million times. we were shocked, after all it was just our little wedding.”

The post Newcastle United superfan ditches suit and tie to get married in footie shirt and jeans appeared first on Deadline News.

Caledonian Braves Football Club was established in 2019, formerly existing as Edusport Academy, providing young French footballers the opportunity to combine the sport with education in Scotland.

In a bid to gain investment and give back to fans, the Braves, based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, have now offered punters the chance to partly own the tiny club.

Gaining investors from as far afield as Nepal and Brazil, the opportunity also proved particularly interesting for Jordan Presley and Andrew Stewart – two footie fans from North Carolina, USA.

In a bold move, the two new co-owners decided to jet across the Atlantic last week and into the streets of Motherwell to lay eyes on just what exactly they’d invested in.

Video begins with Andrew explaining: “This right here is the story of two Americans who bought a wee fifth division football club in Scotland and went to watch them play for the very first time.

“My name is Andrew and this guy is my buddy Jordan.”

The video shows the pair touching down in Scotland amid cloudy skies and picking up their rental car, before setting out for those sightseeing.

Andrew continues: “We arrived in Glasgow, Scotland during what we were told was particularly good weather, picked up our car and got on the road.

“I’m driving on the left side of the road, scared out of my mind.”

The pair then stop off at Celtic’s home ground of Celtic Park, before heading over to Rangers’ Ibrox stadium, but joke that they are unbothered – being here solely for the club they invested in.

The duo then set off for Loch Lomond, where their stop at the serene loch shores was duly interrupted by a screaming man clad in a Scottish football shirt and a kilt.

Andrew explains: “We headed back into Glasgow for dinner that night because tomorrow was match day.

“Today’s match was an away fixture so we were off to Ed-n-bur, is that how you say it?”

“About to go to Edinburgh, pretty straightforward, hop on the M8, takes about an hour or so.

“Upon arriving in Edinburgh, we found a nice little coffee shop for coffees and food, then we were off to the match.”

The video then shows the pair finally arriving at the away ground of Christie Gillies Park, where the Braves would be facing Civil Service Strollers FC.

The two pals walk through the car park and into the 1,569-capacity ground as they continue documenting their day, stopping off to greet fans and players alike.

“Alright, we made it to the ground, today’s matchup is The Caledonian Braves versus the Civil Service Strollers, a club that was founded before either World War had happened,” Andrew says.

“We arrived with plenty of time to check out the pitch , say good luck to the lads and also to say hello to some local fans.”

The video saw the pair going onto the pitch and fist bumping the players during their warm-ups and meeting local fans and dogs in the stands.

“After checking out the grounds in the stands, we found where we wanted to watch the match, there honestly wasn’t a bad seat in the house.”

The pair then left the stadium at half-time, opting for a bite to eat at a local fish and chip shop, before washing the food down with Scotland’s other national drink.

Andrew continues: “We took advantage of the halftime break to get the full Scottish football experience by visiting the local chippy – I apologise if I butchered that [pronunciation].

“But, we were told that we need to get fish and chips by pretty much everyone that we met.

“The chips were easily a seven-and-a-half of ten, I’d say that the fish was probably pushing eight out of ten.

“We were told that we had to wash it all down with a national fizzy beverage of Scotland, Irn-Bru.

“After around six or seven Irn-Brus over the course of our trip, Jordan proclaimed these to be a nine-and -a-half out of ten.

“I, on the other hand am not going to say what I rate Irn-Bru, I’m afraid that they won’t let me back into Scotland.

“Our first ever football match in Scotland was definitely a fun one, it was an absolutely incredible experience getting to see the team that we own up close and in-person.”

Disappointingly for the pair their side lost 1-0 to the Civil Service Strollers last Tuesday.

However, the two ended their visit to the Scottish vapital with a walk up the Royal Mile to take in the views from Edinburgh Castle.

The video was posted by Caledonian Braves FC yesterday with the caption: “Two of our newest owners made the journey all the way from America to watch us play!

“They documented their whole experience…”

The clip has since received over 61,000 likes and more than 700 comments from fans who launched playful jibes at the two Americans in their first trip to the country.

One user wrote: “Bit of bad news for yous (sic) both…Loch Lomond isn’t the Highlands.”

Another commented: “Guess this is a thing now. Buy soccer club, make documentary.”

A third said: “Hope you enjoyed Scotland lads. P.S. it’s pronounced Edin-bra.”

Another replied: “When was this filmed? You’re dressed for winter, this is our summer, taps aff weather.

A fifth added: “Madness watching this from two Americans. That’s my area where I grew up and that was my old local chippy. All the best and good luck with your team.”

Speaking today Jordan Presley said: “Andrew and I are soccer content creators of many sorts – not just the influencer kind, but we try to educate, inspire and empower the next generation of ballers.

“Chris – the founder of the Braves had us come over to Scotland to shoot some content for the Braves and to help out their mission of becoming the first crowdsourced owned club in Scotland.

“Andrew and I thought it was an awesome opportunity, not just to capture lower league football in Scotland for the club but also for ourselves to travel and see Scotland.

“I actually went and played college soccer at Alma College, a college in Michigan that’s based around Scottish heritage.

“We would actually walk out to the pitch being led by our bagpipes, our kits had a tartan A and we’re called the ‘Scots’. They hold a Highlands Festival on campus every year too.

“So besides us having the opportunity to head to Scotland to create content, I’ve had deeper roots to your beautiful country well before it & have always wanted to visit.

“Plus being able to be a part of the ownership was a no brainer to me. It was in my roots before I even knew of the opportunity.

“The trip itself was so awesome. Though I’d been in the UK once before, my time was short, so this was my first extended stay. I loved every second.

“The moment we got there and met up with the team and Chris Ewing (the owner), it was first tough to understand what they were saying but it was awesome.

“You could tell there was so much pride in their football. When we saw the Braves play Civil, it was just the coolest thing. The club house, the little turnstyle to get into the park.

“The railings and the small supporters’ seats. It was everything a lifelong football fan and player wanted to see. I was amazed to see that something like this existed and the culture around it was so cool.

“Andrew and I tried everything we could, from a chippy to Irn-Bru. The only thing I wish we had more of was time!

“I know we didn’t get to see the Highlands like what we wanted but we tried our absolute best.

“One night I wandered into a pub that was playing great live music and it felt like I was in a movie scene. The people were so damn nice and friendly.

“I really can’t wait to get back and have all the reasons to now, so I can watch our team play. Excited to follow along from afar, for now.

“It’s been so cool to see this pop off and read all the comments (good and bad).

“Andrew and I might not be Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mcelhenney or Ted Lasso, but we are proud American owners of a Scottish club and I think its amazing that anyone can be too.”

Also speaking today Andrew Stewart said: “We wanted to show that POV of what other owners like us from around the world could experience if they bought into the club as well and came for a visit.

“I’ve been a football fan and player my whole life. I played in university over here in the US too.

“Plus, I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland as well so the club’s project that they’re undertaking was super intriguing to me.

“Based on the viral reaction to this video, it seems like the Braves’ crowdsourced investment model is intriguing to others as well.”

Speaking today founder and CEO of Caledonian Braves FC, Christopher Ewing said: “I feel extremely proud that football fans from around the world are showing an interest in our club.

“As owner of Scotland’s youngest senior football club, I welcome the opportunity to be able to share the club with fan from across the globe.

“To have over 550 owners from as far afield as Nepal, USA, Brazil and Singapore is absolutely amazing. Scotland is a friendly, fun loving, passionate nation and I think that this is reflected in the project.

“Many investors so far, have mentioned their love of the game of football and their admiration for Scotland as a country and that’s something which pleases me.

“We are on a mission to give football back to the fans and demonstrate that you do not need to be a movie star or a millionaire to own a football club.”

So far, Caledonian Braves Football Club have raised $135,321 from 573 different investors and currently sit in 16th place in the Scottish Lowland League.

If you’re interested in partially owning the club, follow this link: https://wefunder.com/cbfc

The post American footie fans detail trip to Scotland after investing in minnow football club appeared first on Deadline News.