Ashford United's new signing is Ash the Tree

A tree designed by an eleven-year old aspiring fashion designer is Ashford United’s new mascot.

“Ash the Tree” was inspired by Ashford’s name, meaning ash trees near a river, and was designed by Phoebe Clark-Tate of Smeeth Community Primary School, who won the club’s competition to find a new character to entertain crowds on match days and represent them at community events.

Last autumn, hundreds of children from primary and secondary schools across Ashford entered the contest asking them to take inspiration from the history of the local area or the 140-year old club itself, which is nicknamed the Nuts and Bolts because many of its early players worked at the town’s railway works.

Phoebe loves designing clothes and, in her entry, she described Ash as an eco-friendly mascot who “loves sports and wants to get everybody moving”.

Paul Bowden-Brown, Ashford United’s director of football, said: “Our new family mascot will add a bit of extra excitement to match days at Homelands and we love Phoebe’s imaginative creation, who we’ll be using to take part in eco-friendly community activities like recycling schemes and litter picks.

“Families can have an entertaining and affordable afternoon out at our matches and Ash joins the club at a really thrilling time, with the team pushing for promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division.

“We would like to thank Quinn Estates for sponsoring the competition and Mimics Productions for making the wonderful costume.”

Other entries included “Nutty Bolt” the nut-guzzling squirrel, a phoenix representing the club’s rebirth under a new name a decade ago and a character with a train track halo, depicting Ashford’s historical connections with the railways.

Phoebe’s design was brought to life by puppeteer and costume-maker Sally Preisig, of Mimics Productions, who went to school in Ashford and helped form a panel of judges to find a winning entry.

She said: “There were five or six designs that we all really liked, but Phoebe’s tree design really stood out. 

“In her drawing and accompanying description, Ash came across as a great character, who would be endearing to all who would meet him and a great ambassador for the club.

“Having a lifelong connection to Ashford made the job even more special to me, as I never usually know or get to meet my clients!”

It is hoped Ash will become a familiar face around Ashford at community events, as well providing entertainment for spectators at Homelands with his dance moves and high-fives on match days.

To look at the mascots facebook page at @AshTheTreeAUFC and he will make his debut appearance at Homelands when the Nuts and Bolts play Sevenoaks at 3pm on Saturday, February 12.

The contest is the latest in a number of initiatives the club is running to engage with the local community, including offering free tickets to groups of young people through local charities and community groups.

Tickets to watch Ash (and the rest of the team) on Saturday cost £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and under-16s are free with a paying adult (available online or at the turnstile), while families of two adults and up to three children can take advantage of discounted entry by buying £15 tickets in advance online. You can purchase tickets on the Ashford United FC website here.