Players, coaches and supporters from Aylesbury United Ladies & Girls travelled to Adams Park on Sunday 15th September to cheer on Reading Women in their first home game of the new Women’s Super League season against Manchester City Women.

Aylesbury United, who are a Sister Club of the Royals, were invited to provide the mascots and flag bearers for the game. Gracie Kendall and Isla O’Callaghan were the two lucky girls picked to be mascots and they were paraded in front of the home and away fans by Queensley, the Reading Women mascot, before walking out on to the pitch with the Reading players.

Gracie, who plays for the U10 Whites, was led out onto the pitch by her namesake, the Reading goalkeeper, Grace Moloney. “I was very nervous at the beginning but I really loved being a mascot,” said Gracie. “It was fun and Grace gave me a pair of her gloves after the game.” Isla, who plays for the U12 Greens, also enjoyed being a mascot: “It was a great experience and I think all girls should get a chance to do it.”

The match, which was broadcast live on the BBC Red Button, was always going to be difficult for the Royals as Manchester City were last season’s winners of the Women’s FA Cup and runners-up in the WSL. It was a scrappy affair at times, not helped by the hot conditions, with the visitors scoring in each half to take the three points back to Manchester.

At the end of the game, players from both teams, including England Lionesses Fara Williams, Jill Scott and Steph Houghton, posed for photographs and signed autographs for the girls and the other fans.

A big thank you to all the players, coaches and families that came along to show their support for Reading Women.

Click here to view the photos from the match.