South Shields & Me by Mia Jane
I am truly honoured to have worked with my guest article contributor this week, and have been really looking forward to her story and reading her adventures.
This week’s blog belongs to an incredible South Shields fan, a remarkable young lady named Mia Jane who is 5 years old. I noticed Mia and her father Simon including me in some amazing, colourful South Shields flags and I was interested in hearing the story of a young fan who not only has an incredible love for her club, but also is well loved within the club.
Mia’s blog post below is something very special indeed and I’m really lucky to be the one to share it. It’s written straight from her heart and these are the best kind of words you can ever come across. This week, this space belongs entirely to Mia, I am so excited to share this with you.
South Shields & Me
Where It Began
Dad was going to the football, we were on a family trip to South Shields, it’s his hometown. He asked me if I wanted to go, well at 3 years old the automatic answers are “Yes or No”
He give me his Shields scarf to wear and I stood at the front on the advertising boards with Uncle Matty. That was two years ago on the 24th October 2015, and here I am aged 5 and a veteran of the non league scene, well nearly.
South Shields (4) Thornaby (3)
Runcorn Linnets
“Yellow and Green” everywhere. Stood on the balcony, last minute winner
…………………………………………………….. Dad can I have a flag?
22nd October 2016 South Shields (2) Runcorn Linnets (1), FA Vase
Coleshill Away
This is my 1st away day with Shields. My Dad had to come to Coleshill earlier, on an undercover mission to make sure we got the tickets, good job Mam has a good Yorkshire accent. Operation complete and we are on our way. Also joining us is Grandad. We went to the pub, Grandad doesn’t like pubs (honest no joke). There was loads outside getting people to pip their horns as they passed by and there was an angry woman in a red mini.
-March 11th Coleshill (1) South Shields (2) FA Vase Semi Final 1st Leg tickets
Guisbrough Away
Flag day, well not quite, there's no sign of "Postman Pat" and it's time to leave but it's OK as Dad says we'll get another cup today and I can run on the pitch. I love pitch invasions. Fifteen minutes up the road and Mam rings, postman's been, "Dad, go back home" Flag put up in the ground, another Shields win, a pitch invasion and the team come out and get the "League Trophy" ........ "George the Kitman" puts the lid on my head. Bye bye Northern League and hello Evo-Stik. April 22nd 2017,Guisbourgh (2) South Shields (3)
League cup final
I’m off again and caught on camera running to join the lads with another cup. “Ha’way Dad keep up”
Finally I got the trophy in my hands for another picture
May 6th 2017 North Shields (0) South Shields (5)
Wembley weekend
Wow, Amazing....
Big Ben
The Queen
Then the party at Covent Garden the night before the game with friends and family.
After a good sleep and a great breakfast in the hotel we went on a train to Wembley.
“Wow dad is that Wembley..... it’s huge, what’s that over the top” I asked (the arch)
May 21st 2017, Cleethorpes Town (0) South Shields (4)
A few weeks after Wembley I’m back in South Shields and we make a trip to Mariners Park to order my 2017/2018 season ticket and I see the trophy was proudly on display .... it’s nearly as big as me!!!!
New Adventures in the Evo Stik
It all started at Trafford away and it was great to see loads of flags up in the ground.
“I love flags”
August 12th 2017, Trafford (1) South Shields (2)
Then it was back to Mariners Park for Brighouse Town, which means two things......
My first ever night game and being able to use my first ever season ticket at the turnstiles instead of a £2 coin.
August 15th 2017, South Shields (5) Brighouse Town (0)
A few weeks later.......
Grandad said I needed a passport to go to Colwyn Bay as he said we’re off to see Shields in Europe......
This was the first competitive game I had seen Shields lose after going on that impressive unbeaten run.
September 9th 2017, Colwyn Bay (4) South Shields (2)
Watching the game with the lads at Ossett Town away.
This is a home game for me as Ossett is 2 minuets away from my house but it’s an away day for the lads.
September 19th 2017, Ossett Town (0) South Shields (2)
And finally I’m caught in the moment celebrating against Scarborough.
August 28th 2017, Scarborough (1) South Shields (3)
My adventures will continue up and down the country with South Shields FC, so if you see me on my travels come and say hello, for home games our round trip is 220 miles.
Follow my twitter @TheLittleMackem & @SSFC_YORKSHIRE
Thank you for reading,
Mia Jane x
Pictures courtesy of,
Simon Kelsey
Ian Kelsey
Kev Wilson