The Pirate Deck Fanzone Wrapped Up for the 25/26 Season!

Image: Layah Douglas presented with her PFA Community Champion 25/26 Award.

As the 2025/26 season comes to a close, Bristol Rovers are proud to celebrate the success of the Pirate Deck Fanzone, which hosted our EFL Panini Sticker Giveaway at the final home game of the season.

The Club and Community Trust identified a clear need for a child-friendly space at the Memorial Stadium - somewhere young families could enjoy a safe, engaging environment ahead of kick-off.

The fanzone project brought together the Club, the Community Trust, and Rovers supporters to create a welcoming space where families can come together, children can play safely under the supervision of qualified staff, and matchdays can begin with a sense of excitement and community.

By combining the energy of matchday with meaningful community engagement, the fanzone has strengthened the connection between the Club, its supporters, and the wider Bristol community. It has created a space where young fans feel included, helping to inspire and grow the next generation of Bristol Rovers supporters.

Initial discussions between the Club, the Community Trust, and Clive Marshall of the Bristol Rovers Supporters Trust helped shape the vision for the project. These conversations explored everything from safeguarding and health and safety to ensuring the space would be suitable for use in all weather conditions throughout the season.

Following approval from the Supporters Trust committee, and with backing from the President’s 1883 Club, plans were finalised for the outdoor area. This included a giant inflatable 1v1 football pitch, an inflatable football darts board, and mini goals to keep young fans entertained.

The launch of the Pirate Deck Fanzone is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Bristol Rovers community, bringing together multiple organisations and supporters to enhance the matchday experience for families.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29dZl4ucrmw

Nathan Hallett-Young, BRCT Operations Manager added:

“We’re incredibly proud of what the Pirate Deck has become in such a short space of time. It’s not just about giving children something to do before kick-off - it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where families feel part of the club. Seeing so many young supporters enjoying the space each week shows the real impact it’s having, and it’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the Club, supporters, and Community Trust work together.”

Since opening, the Fanzone has been active across 19 home matchdays, welcoming over 250 children on its opening day and continuing to engage large numbers each week. Its success has also been reflected in the growth of The Pirates’ Crew membership, which now includes 35 Baby Pirates (Under 1s), 70 Mini Pirates (1–4s), and 105 Junior Pirates (5–12s).

Beyond matchdays, the Fanzone has also played an important role in community delivery. During school visits and community activations, the space provides a safe and engaging environment for primary school children during breaks and lunchtime.

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