Creative Challenge 2026-7: A Meet & Greet With Harry "Hairy" Mane and Purrchester United Youngsters

On a sunny afternoon, everything had been prepared at the Purrchester United ground for a special guest who was due to meet young footballers and fans. Everyone was beaming with anticipation at the arrival of Harry (“Hairy”) Mane, the captain of the national football team.

Straight after school, everyone had rushed home to fetch albums, posters and other things for Harry to sign. Little Bud McClaw had even borrowed his sister’s camera to take a photo to send to his mate Alfie in Freudsheim … Whilst all the other young tomcats were queuing up, waiting for their turn, the youngest of the McClaw brothers pushed his way to the front to be first in the queue …

When Harry Mane was sitting at his table, equipped with a pencil and picture cards he smiled at the

excited young cats inviting them one by one to come and receive an autograph.

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A young Silk cat called Robin Golightly brought his ball with him. “Could you please sign here?” he asked in a shy voice. 

“Oh yes, of course,” purred the big lion … and signed his name on the football. 

Robin happily hurried back to his friends. One day, this ball will become a collector’s item – with Harry Mane’s autograph on it!

Suddenly, the table shook as a little tomcat jumped onto it and showed the astonished lion his tiny pink camera. “Can I take a photo for my mate Alfie? He’s in Freudsheim and can’t come – but I want him to know we’re meeting up with you,” he chirped cheekily. A big grin lit up Harry’s face – and Buddy got the snapshot he wanted

Young Tarik Azadeh, a young Persian, brought his big album of autographs for Mr. Mane to sign... and, of course, the team captain followed the white Persian's wish.

Once all the autograph requests had been fulfilled, Hairy Mane showed what he was made of… and took a shot at the goal wall.

Attention! Kitten In The Goal Wall ...

A goal at the top – a goal at the bottom… and the fans applaud.

Goal!!!

To round things off, everyone lines up for a group photo… What a lovely afternoon for the young footballers of ‘Purrchester United’!

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 The McClaw lads will remember their meeting with their big hero, Hairy Mane, for a long time to come... and Bud will certainly never wash his cap again... 

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