Eight-year-old, Chelsea superfan Beth was treated to the ultimate football experience, as part of Hyundai’s The Extra Mile competition. Beth entered the competition through the Chelsea FanCast who are working with Hyundai to promote the chance for Chelsea fans to win tickets to a Chelsea match. Beth was also interviewed on the Chelsea FanCast to share her story on how she went the extra mile.
Beth, who dreams of playing for Chelsea, was taken to the club’s training ground and given a taste of what it is like to be a professional footballer, where she trained with Blues’ stars including Fran Kirby and Carly Telford.
Hyundai, official partner of Chelsea, rewarded Beth after her mum entered The Extra Mile, a competition that celebrates fan stories of their dedicated support, explaining her daughter’s commitment to playing football with the hope of one day representing Chelsea Women. Due to the lack of girls’ football teams in her area, Beth signed up for her local boys’ team, Horndean Hawks, and loves playing in weekly matches.
Beth was surprised with a trip to the club’s training ground in Cobham, where she got the opportunity to train with some of the Women’s first team, and her footballing idol, Katie Chapman. The former Chelsea captain was also on hand to give Beth some inspirational advice, plus a pair of tickets to her first ever football match, to see the Blues take on Bristol City in the FA Women’s Super League.
At the game, Beth was in amongst the action straightaway, leading the team out as a mascot, and she proved to be a lucky charm as the Blues stormed to a 6-0 victory, thanks to hat-tricks from Fran Kirby and Beth England.
Speaking of her win, Beth said: “It was an amazing experience to be able to play alongside the Chelsea Women’s team. I can’t wait to follow in their footsteps. It would be my dream job!”
David Pugh, Hyundai Motor UK’s Marketing Director, said: “The Extra Mile competition demonstrates our goal to really put fans at the heart of our partnership with Chelsea. It’s fantastic to see the lengths that Beth has gone to in order to play football. Hopefully her story will inspire even more girls to join their local team and maybe one day they will play for Chelsea Women.”
The Extra Mile celebrates fans by acknowledging the lengths they go to for their team. Every month, the competition will reward the most dedicated fans with club prizes including match tickets and club merchandise.
At the end of the season, one of the monthly winners will win the ultimate prize for any football fan; the opportunity to travel across Europe to watch each of Hyundai’s partner clubs in action – Chelsea, AS Roma, Atletico Madrid and Hertha Berlin.
If you think you go The Extra Mile supporting Chelsea FC, you can share your story here: football.hyundai.co.uk
