Stu Carpenter wins squad membership in a free prize draw organised by Vodafone Platinum Partner OneCom
A fireman has been officially listed as a Portsmouth Football Club squad member following a competition set up by local B2B dealer OneCom.
Stu Carpenter (pictured) won the contest which saw OneCom pay £5,000 for the opportunity, with all funds going towards the club’s Tifosy Pompey Academy appeal.
This is a crowd-funding campaign launched in June, with the club planning to raise £250,000 for the development of two additional pitches at its training academy.
Vodafone Platinum Partner OneCom, along with local radio station Express FM, used social media to invite fans to sign up for the chance to win the prize.
Carpnter now has his own squad number – 44 – and will be given a Portsmouth kit, be listed in every matchday programme as a member of the team, have his name announced on the big screens at home games, take part in a training session and have lunch with his new team mates.
He will be presented to fans ahead of Portsmouth’s home game with Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow, and courtesy of OneCom, will enjoy full matchday hospitality and will watch the game from the players’ tunnel area.
He will be joined by wife Dannii and their two sons Joshua (8) and Harry (6) – both Portsmouth supporters.
Carpenter said: My wife entered me in the draw so I didn’t know I was even in with a chance. When I got the phone call to say I’d won, it took me a while to realise what had happened. The kids are very excited – they think I’ve signed for the club and am going to play on Saturday.
OneCom chief executive Darren Ridge added: “OneCom’s contribution certainly brings the Pompey Academy. Being an official squad member must be the ultimate dream for any Pompey fan.”
