Gillingham owners Brad and Shannon Galinson are special guests at Medway United’s awards presentation

The Galinsons are embracing the Medway life and Gillingham’s US owners were special guests at an awards ceremony on Sunday.

Grassroots club Medway United hosted their annual awards party at Thames View Primary School, attended by close to 2,500 people, including the owners of the Gills as special guests.

Brad Galinson spoke about the importance of community involvement on his first round of media interviews after taking over at Priestfield and he’s been keen to soak up the culture around the Towns of Medway.

Mr Galinson and wife Shannon presented the awards to Medway United’s youngest players who form part of the ever-growing soccer school. Both were given specially made Medway shirts for the occasion with their names on the back.

“It’s amazing,” said Brad, speaking after handing out over 100 awards.

“I was saying to the parents that this is what it is all about. Gillingham is the professional side of Kent but seeing these little kids aged four and higher, with their mates, getting their trophies, running around, it means everything, it is what these communities are based on.

“Some of these kids will go on a path to an academy and possibly become professional, some of them will do other things in their lives but they will still have this, it’s still healthy to run around and kick a ball.

“Events like this are the reason we’re here, it’s very important. Anyone could say anything about being promoted, a new stadium, a new Brian Moore Stand, but really it’s about this, it’s about the little kids wearing the kits, their parents being there, they are jumping around, kicking a ball, this is what it’s all about.”

The Galinsons have taken in games of cricket at Canterbury in recent weeks in what’s been a busy summer so far.

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