Crystal Palace called on the Olympic spirit at Selhurst Park, coming back from 2-0 down against Cardiff with a Glenn Murray hat-trick, all backed by a new squad of “Games Maker” volunteers.
André Moritz did much to orchestrate the Palace comeback against Cardiff, including making the pass for Murray’s second goal
After the success of the army of tens of thousands of volunteer helpers at the 2012 London Olympics, the Games Makers, Crystal Palace has recruited volunteers to help provide a better match day experience.
The Eagles Games Makers will be present at every home fixture for the duration on the season. The volunteers, who were all Games Makers at the London Games, will be made up of fans who are passionate about the club.
As with the Olympics, the Palace Games Makers will be kitted out min a distinctive uniform, this time using the club colours. They will be placed around the ground in areas where they can be of service to home and away fans.
The CPFC Games Makers will be equipped with stadium maps, general information, details of train routes and a wealth of club knowledge to ensure that they are able to assist the fans.
Phil Alexander, the Palace chief executive, said: “We were all blown away by the Games Makers contribution at the London 2012 Olympics and having invited those that were Palace fans to do a lap of honour against Watford, we found out that many of them were our season ticket-holders.
Palace’s first Games Makers: from left to right, Gary Peckham, Marc Mulligan,Josh Peckham, Mike Payton, Mark Coleman, Richard Hill, Chris Hutchinson
“We decided to see if we could create our very own Games Makers, and the response we have had already for the roles was overwhelming. Our aim is to make the match day experience that much better, particularly for new fans who need assistance on how to find their way around the stadium.”
If you would like to become a CPFC Games Maker please contact Sharon Lacey on sharon.lacey@cpfc.co.uk.
Yesterday’s result, and the Palace performance, did much to silence those critics who barely a fortnight ago were already calling for the sacking of manager Dougie Freedman. Two goals down at half-time, Murray slotted home a brace of penalties and a fine late winner against one of the sides expected to be among this season’s promotion contenders.
“As manager it was the best comeback,” Freedman said yesterday.
“I don’t think we deserved to be two down. To show the character and energy we did, it was a correct result. If you were watching the game, you saw we didn’t deserve to be down. We played with fantastic approach play, with crosses.
“In the second half, the shots were coming off and we were causing them a lot of problems. Cardiff are a good side and we’ve stood up to good challenges with them and Forest this week.”
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