It is every child’s dream to run out alongside their footballing heroes.
That is why there is such a huge demand to be a mascot at football matches.
And there are few teams as illustrious to be a mascot for as West Ham.
So let’s take a look at how to be a mascot for West Ham…
How To Be A Mascot For West Ham?
To be a mascot for West Ham you must be between 6 and 12 years old and on the West Ham mascot waiting list. Then you have to pay to be a mascot which, depending upon the category of the game, can range from £175 to £375. The mascot package itself is very comprehensive.
How Much Does It Cost To Be A Mascot For West Ham?
There is a cost associated with being a mascot for the Hammers. It varies depending upon the category of the game you wish to be a mascot for.
- Category A Games: £375 including VAT.
- Category B Games: £375 including VAT.
- Category C Games: £175 including VAT.
As you reach the top of the waiting list the club will be in contact with you regarding the categories of the games.
The Criteria For Being a Mascot For West Ham
To be a mascot you simply need to be between 6 and 12 years old and have completed the West Ham mascot waiting list form.
You will also need to wear a full West Ham kit of any season, whether it be home, away, third or the goalkeeper’s kit.
Unlike some mascot packages, the kit is not supplied by the club.
And, of course, you must be willing to shell out a couple of hundred pounds!
Subject to availability you can also select the fixture you wish to be a mascot for.
As you reach the top of the waiting list you will be notified of available fixtures, and be able to choose an appropriate game.
If you are already on the waiting list to be a mascot and want an estimate of your waiting time, email [email protected].
What Do You Get When You Are a Mascot for West Ham?
You get the thrill and privilege of walking out in front of a packed London Stadium with your footballing heroes.
On top of that the mascot package also gives you:
- Tickets for one adult and one child.
- Your photograph and name to appear in the match day programme.
- Your photo to appear on the big screens in the stadium.
- Your name to be announced on the matchday PA system.
- A chance to meet the first-team players pre-match.
- A training session on pitch with the West Ham United Community coaching staff.
- A gift bag.
- A pitchside stadium tour for any accompanying adults.
- The opportunity to take part in the official handshake with the opponents.
- A photograph with the team captains, match officials and other mascots.
Two weeks prior to the fixture you are set to be the mascot for, the club will send you an email with full details of the day, including arrival times, ticketing information and the meeting point.
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Does West Ham Have An Official Mascot?
Since 2011 West Ham’s official mascot has been Hammerhead, a RoboCop-esque creation, that is part robot, part mascot!
Or as a press release by the club at the time put it:
Foundered in the Thames Iron Works many decades ago, the workers who crafted a new champion drew on the spirits of heroes old and new to create the ultimate goal machine.
When a bolt of lightning hit the Iron Works, a mighty warrior of iron was born – Hammerhead.
As strong as iron, as fast as Billy Bonds and blessed with the goalscoring prowess of Vic Watson, some say Hammerhead was once a shipbuilder at the Thames Iron Works, while others say he is a knight from the historic Boleyn Castle.
West Ham press release. November 2011
Prior to Hammerhead, a number of mascots have served West Ham over the years, including Herbie the Hammer, Scoopy and Bubbles the Bear.
Scoopy was also the mascot of the Newham Recorder newspaper, and would sometimes turn up on match days at the old Boleyn Ground.
Herbie the Hammer was a more downmarket version of Hammerhead, with a cheap foam head and eyes constantly looking skyward.
Bubbles the Bear still in fact plays a role on match days alongside Hammerhead.
Final Thoughts
The first thing to note if you want to be a West Ham mascot is the relative steepness of the price.
It costs up to £375, which is expensive considering clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City offer the same experience for their own young fans for free.
And on top of this price, you have to bring your own kit, be between the ages of 6 and 12 years old and on the mascot waiting list.
That said the matchday mascot package is very comprehensive at the Hammers and it will be an experience you will never forget!