Black and White Mini Ultras to bang the drum for Wick Academy
Efforts are under way to recruit an eager band of young supporters to enhance the atmosphere at Wick Academy’s home games.
The club is appealing for boys and girls of primary five to seven age to become part of the Black and White Mini Ultras, who will have their own designated area in the South Stand at Harmsworth Park.
It is hoped the group – complete with banners, flags and a drum – will be ready to make their presence felt at the Scorries’ first match of the 2024/25 Highland League season against Fraserburgh on Saturday, July 27.
Academy member Andrew Henderson hopes that youngsters who sign up to be part of the fan group will go on to develop a lasting connection to the club, and he says the initial response has been positive.
“There are a couple of us who work with the club and the committee and the chairman and we keep in touch on a regular basis to try and bring in new ideas,” he said. “We’ve had a good relationship with Academy over the years.
“There are a couple of young guys that I know who went to the park last year and asked Academy if they could take a drum and stuff like that. Then we came up with the idea of why not have our own group for it as well?
“It might not work, or it might take off and be a success.
“We’re going to barrier off a section of the South Stand so that’s their area – it’s safe, it’s sheltered, it’s a good environment for them.
“It’s to get a bit of atmosphere and a bit of crack as well. There has been a lot of positive feedback – there are a good few that are wanting to sign up.
“I went off and ordered a drum and a couple of flags with ‘Mini Ultras’ on it and the Academy badge. It’ll give them something to be proud of going forward and hopefully younger fans will come with their parents, grandparents, carers or whoever and say, ‘I want to be part of that.’
“Hopefully it can generate a bit of interest and give the kids something to look forward to, and hopefully Academy can benefit as a club going forward.”
In a social media post, the club stated: “We are continually looking at ways of improving the match-day experience for everyone. The first phase of this is by introducing the very first Black and White Mini Ultras group where the young fans of tomorrow from P5-P7 have a safe area of their own to sing, bang drums and cheer on the team.
“There will be a designated area within the South Stand that will only be accessible by Mini Ultra members so they can all enjoy a controlled, safe and fun experience with their friends and hopefully make new ones along the way.
“We’re aiming to have this in place for the first game of the season.”
Anyone interested in getting involved should see a committee member or email wickacademyfc@highlandleague.com for a membership form.
There will be a £10 annual membership fee to cover costs, and members will be asked to follow a code of conduct during matches.
Meanwhile, Wick Academy’s pre-season friendly against North Caledonian League side St Duthus – originally scheduled for this Thursday – has been rearranged for Tuesday, July 23, at Grant Park in Tain.
The Scorries take on Bonar Bridge this Sunday (Upper Bignold Park, 3pm).
