Schoolgirl striker scores a winner to train with Hull City stars

WINNER: Eden Innes with Matt Ingram and Brandon Fleming

By Rick Lyon

A 10-year-old girl and her football team have enjoyed a dream training session with Hull City players after she won a competition run by club partner Giacom.

The Hull-based tech business – the Tigers’ Principal Club Partner and main shirt sponsor – launched the Giacom Goals competition to give aspiring young players the chance to showcase their talents.

Giacom invited players aged 16 or under to send in a video of their best goal, scored playing for their local team, school team, during a kickabout with friends, or just in their garden.

Prizes up for grabs included Hull City match tickets and merchandise, with the overall winner and the team they play for given the opportunity to train with the club.

Eden Innes was shortlisted in the top three goals by City right-back Lewie Coyle and club legend Andy Dawson for her left-footed penalty into the top corner while playing for Hall Road Rangers U10 Girls. It was striker Eden’s first game for the team.

Supporters went on to vote for Eden’s goal as the winner, via an online Twitter poll.

As the winner, Hull City fan Eden won a home shirt and football both signed by the first team, a selection of merchandise and two tickets for a home game. She and her teammates were also invited to spend an unforgettable afternoon training with left-back Brandon Fleming and goalkeeper Matt Ingram at the Tigers Trust Arena, close to the Tigers’ home at the MKM Stadium.

Hull City filmed the session for a video posted on the club’s social media channels, to an audience of hundreds of thousands of followers. It was also shown at the MKM Stadium ahead of the recent game with Reading, which Eden attended.

“I was so excited,” said Eden. “I love Hull City, so it was fantastic to meet the players and train with them.

“It was a really special day and we all enjoyed it so much.”

SPECIAL DAY: Eden at Hull City’s match against Reading at the MKM Stadium

Giacom, based at Priory Park, west Hull, is one of the region’s fastest-growing businesses. As a leading provider of cloud services to IT companies, it has helped thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the UK to grow by making best use of world-class technology.

The company is using its position as Hull City’s Principal Club Partner to create incredible experiences for local youngsters and their families.

Giacom Marketing Manager Kate Waites said: “We launched Giacom Goals because everyone at the company is really passionate about giving something back to the community.

“We’re proud to be one of Hull’s big success stories of recent years and we’re committed to supporting the city and helping young people achieve their goals and aspirations.

“Our partnership with Hull City has given us the platform to be able to give local children opportunities like this and we’re looking forward to building on this and doing even more.”

‘PASSIONATE’: Giacom Marketing Manager Kate Waites

The runner-up in the competition won a signed home shirt and football, and two tickets to a home game, while the third placed entrant also received a signed football and two tickets to a home game.

Hull-born Brandon Fleming said: “I remember taking part in a training session with some first team players when I was younger, which had a massive impact on me. Events like this are so important because they show children what they can achieve.”

Matt Ingram said: “Giacom are clearly passionate about helping the community and it’s great they’re working closely with the club to give youngsters in the city opportunities like this.

“It was a pleasure to take part and there were some really talented girls in the team.”

Giacom is a Gold sponsor of Hull Children’s University and also provided 100 tickets to children and the families supported by the charity for the Tigers’ home match against Cardiff City on Good Friday.

They were treated to a special matchday experience, which included being given goody bags and Easter eggs by club mascots Roary the Tiger and Amber the Tiger.