SPOTLIGHT ON : JUNIOR GILLINGHAM FAN - AVA

⚽ Her Game Too: Visiting Fan Q&A – Junior Edition

Each home game, we shine a spotlight on a female fan from the visiting team, giving them a chance to share their story and love for the game.

This week, we spoke to Ava – a proud Gillingham supporter – ahead of their visit to Boundary Park. Here's what she (and her dad!) had to say about football, fun, and favourite memories.

🔵 Name:

Ava

🟠 Club:

Gillingham

📍 Hometown:

Sheerness

🗣️ Q&A for Ava

Can you tell us something cool or funny about your hometown?

Not sure it’s cool or funny, but the Richard Montgomery, a WWII ship, sunk in the nearby Thames Estuary with a rumoured 1,400 tonnes of explosive still on board.

How did you first get into football – and do you remember your very first game?

My dad took me along to a cup game versus Exeter in August 2022 because it was the summer holidays, and we won on penalties.

What made you choose to support your team?

My dad.

Who’s your favourite football player of all time?

For Gills it’s Max Clark, and I also love Cristiano Ronaldo.

What’s the best football moment you’ve ever seen (or played in)?

Being mascot at home to Crewe Alexandra in March 2024.

Have you been to many away games?

This trip to Boundary Park will be my 23rd away day.

Which ground was the most fun ?

I enjoyed Grimsby in September 2023 because I was asked to be flag bearer when the players walked out, and Harrogate last season because it has the best pies.

Do your fans have a chant or song you really like?

Yes, I love ‘Everywhere We Go’ and also ‘The Last Waltz’ as that one is played before every home game.

Do you have any lucky charms or matchday traditions?

I have started bringing Bluey along as our new away days mascot for 2025/26.

If your team was a film or a song, what would it be – and why?

I’m not sure, but dad said if we were a film over the last few years we would beETas everyone has wanted to go home, and if we were a song we would beGotta Get Thru This.

Match Chat

What’s your score prediction for Oldham vs Gillingham?

Oldham 1 Gillingham 2

Which Gillingham player should Oldham fans look out for?

Joe Gbode

How do you think Gillingham will do this season?

I’m hoping we will finish 4th.

⚡ Quick Fire Round

🏟️ Favourite stadium (apart from your team’s)?

Wembley, I was lucky enough to watch Bromley play Solihull Moors there in May 2024.

🥧 Best matchday snack?

The Harrogate pies, and also the chicken on chips outside Stadium MK.

🚌 Home games or away days?

Away days.

📺 VAR – yes or no?

No.

👕 If you could pick any player in the world to join your team, who would it be?

Cristiano Ronaldo or Marcus Rashford.

Matt - “Football is more than just a game for Matt and his daughter Ava, it’s about creating memories.”

👨 Dad’s Corner

What’s the best thing about taking your daughter to football matches?

I think it’s the time spent together, especially on long away trips, and making memories with each other plus other fans.

Do you have any special matchday routines together?

We have a certain ‘lucky’ walk from the car to the ground on home match days.

How have you seen her love for the game grow since she started going?

Massively, she first started learning the Gills players in squad number order, but she now knows them off by heart, regularly makes appearances on the match day vlogs, and recognises plenty of non-Gills players when she sees them on the telly or on social media.

A Big Thank You!

Thank you so much to Ava and her dad for taking the time to chat with us. We wish Gillingham all the best for the seaso