A Day to Remember: Giving Back to Connor with a Mascot Experience

Posted on 22nd August 2025 at 15:39

For Hull City’s match against Oxford United on Sunday 17th August, we were absolutely thrilled to welcome Connor as one of our matchday mascots, giving him a truly memorable experience at the MKM Stadium.

Connor, aged 14, is a regular and enthusiastic participant at our Premier League Kicks disability sessions at Northcott School on a Wednesday. These sessions provide young people aged 8-18 with a disability the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of sports in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages both personal development and social interaction.

Earlier this year, Connor showed remarkable thoughtfulness by nominating our Disability Community Engagement Officer, Rob Johnson, for an EFL Community Hero award as part of the EFL Community Weekends campaign, which, coincidentally, was also held against Oxford United. We were determined to celebrate Connor’s kind gesture in a special way.

Since joining the sessions back in 2021, Connor has grown enormously - not only in confidence and sporting ability but also as a compassionate and encouraging team player. He consistently arrives with a big smile, supports other participants, and helps foster a welcoming, positive atmosphere for everyone involved.

As a proud Hull City fan, Connor was absolutely over the moon when he discovered he had been chosen as a mascot against Oxford United on Sunday 17th August. The day itself was unforgettable, where Connor had the chance to meet the players and staff, enjoy an exclusive stadium tour, take part in a fun kickabout with Roary and Amber on the pitch, and the best moment of all , proudly lead the Tigers out in front of a buzzing MKM Stadium crowd for the first game of the season.

Reflecting on Connor’s thoughtful nomination and Mascot Experience, Rob said:

“It was a complete surprise to learn that I had been nominated for the EFL Community Hero award, especially when I discovered it was Connor who had put me forward. Hearing, in his own words, the impact our sessions have had on his life was an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience. We wanted to show our gratitude to Connor for my nomination and his love of Hull City to give him a truly special mascot experience.”

We hope you had a truly brilliant and unforgettable experience, Connor - you deserved every single moment of it!

Check out some of the best photos from Connor’s experience!