There were big celebrations this weekend at one of Suffolk’s quickest growing and most progressive football clubs, Capel Plough FC. Following a month long social media competition in which players from all the clubs’ diverse 16 teams, nominated their pets to become official club mascot for the current season and receive a £100 prize in pet store vouchers. It was the first time in the club's long history that a mascot had ever been chosen.
With over 60 entries with various species including dogs, cats, tortoises, snakes and ponies; judging was very difficult. Fortunately, the judge was the competition’s generous sponsor David Tilling, an expert regarding pet animals and owner of local Capel St Mary pet supplies store: Rats, Cats & Elephants. After much deliberation, David chose Ivor, a very friendly retired 6 year old greyhound that was rehomed via the Greyhound Trust. Ivor had previously had around two years racing, mainly in Great Yarmouth under his racing name Lughill Hero
The overjoyed owners are three sisters who all play for Capel Plough FC, Amy (14), Ellie (12) and Lucy (9) Thompson. Amy said ‘Ivor is a very special dog and we love him very much. It took quite a while for Ivor to be rehomed because he’s a large greyhound and the black ones are less popular, but he’s a gentle giant and has settled into our family life really well.’ Lucy mentioned, ‘He loves his food (especially cheese and sardines), and his favourite pastimes are snoozing on the sofa.’ Ellie reported that, ‘Ivor also likes spending time with his pal Ellie the Cockerpoo, and going out for walks with all his greyhound friends’.
To mark the occasion, Capel Plough FC had an officially presentation on Sunday with Ivor dressed in his new bespoke club football kit. Those present were two Capel Plough FC teams being The Krakens and The Tigers; with the Ivor's owners the Thompson sisters, David Tilling and Head of Youth Football, Adrian Goodwin. Adrian said, ‘Capel Plough FC is not only about the enjoyment of football and associated health benefits; it’s also about bringing local families, community and businesses together. Our club continues to be one of Suffolk’s quickest growing and supported clubs especially with our female and youth football teams. Our adult squads are additionally going from strength to strength. Having a club mascot like Ivor creates a great and positive atmosphere. The club has never been better and long may it continue!’
