It was the turn of the Junior Tigers Club Takeover Day winners to go behind-the-scenes at Welford Road at Tigers’ final home game of the 2018/19 season against Bath.

The annual fixture sees some of Tigers younger fans have the opportunity to take on a number of matchday roles around the stadium.

Supported by club partners Next and The Nottingham Building Society, the Junior Tigers Club is a free membership open for youngsters up to the age of 16 with more than 40,000 youngsters signed up.

The preparations began with the help of the JTC Takeover Day designers Ethan Ockenden and Teddy Shoosmith who helped to design the official t-shirt and poster for the day.

Megan Stanley, Christopher Swaby and Alfie Payne joined the Leicester Tigers press team working as a match reporter, media assistant and matchday photographer, while Dylan Powell had the important job of getting the Tigers kit ready for the players.  

Louie Keighley took to the mic to announce the Leicester Tigers starting 15 in front of more than 20,000 fans and Ollie Smith welcomed the club’s hospitality guests alongside former Tigers lock Matt Poole.

Mini mascots Hugo Welham and Charlie Riley took to the pitch alongside 10 mini mascots representing club partners The Nottingham and Next.

Chatting just before kick-off, JTC kit assistant Dylan Powell, 7, said: “I’ve been sorting out the kit for the players and it was really cool to be in the changing rooms.

Dylan’s dad Tom added: “Dylan gets really nervous watching Tigers and so I entered the competition for him to experience the ground like never before. He’s loved every minute of it.”

Ollie Smith, 11, was the club’s hospitality interviewer before kick-off and said: “I found out I would be taking part about a month ago, so I’ve been making sure my voice is ready. 

The group also met on the pitch at half-time for a photo.

Thanks to all our JTC Takeover Day winners and if you’d like to find out more information about the JTC or sign up to become a member, click the link below.