Proud To Be A Hellboy

I’ve always enjoyed going to live sporting events wherever I’ve been in the world. I’ve seen everything from tennis to Formula 1, from ice hockey to the Olympics. Rugby is still my passion, including the 7s in Dubai. However, I’m rarely going to turn down the opportunity to see a local football match.

It all started when I lived in Mallorca. Watching the local team play the likes of the mighty Barcelona was special.

The excitement built a little over a year ago when it was announced our little town in Turkiye would be the new home of its first professional football team. I was even given the responsibility of reporting on all the games for the local newspaper. Sadly, the dream only lasted a year as the club folded over the summer. It looked like we’d once again be left without a local football team to support.

Football in Turkiye is a little more complex, though. A nearby town, Soke, was taking our place in Division 3 Section 4. There was a problem. Their stadium needed extensive work. They would need a temporary home. Thankfully, they chose Didim.

I went to the first game not knowing what to expect. What would the atmosphere be like? Would supporters travel the hour-long journey to come and watch their team?

The Soke Hellboys in full voice

Yes, they would was the resounding answer. In larger numbers than I’d seen at the ground before. The supporters’ club, the Soke Hellboys, were also there in numbers. The atmosphere they create at every game is incredible. Constant chanting, banging a rhythm out on the drums, and having fun epitomise an incredible group.

I put a short video of them on my social media to share something I found wonderful. I never imagined they’d see it. It started an amazing sequence of events. They not only liked it but said they’d like to give me a club scarf at the next home game. It didn’t matter whether they did. The offer filled my heart with joy. I’d somehow made friends out of nothing. It was a very special feeling.

We went to the next game. I wondered where they all were as kick-off approached. Then I saw police motorbikes escorting a stream of minibusses and coaches. The Hellboys had arrived! As soon as they got off the buses, flares were lit to show they’d arrived. Quickly they were inside the ground with the drum and making noise to support the mighty Soke 1970. Our little group of Englishmen and women were right next to them and couldn’t help but join in some of the singing even though we didn’t understand the words. It was contagious. It didn’t stop for the entire afternoon, probably helped by winning 4-1.

Several things happened during the game proving the Hellboys have hearts of gold.

There was a disabled gentleman sitting close by with his family. He was clearly excited about the atmosphere. The leader of the singing saw him and grabbed a scarf from another Hellboy. He walked over to the gentleman and draped the scarf around his neck. A few selfies followed, ensuring there were a lot of very touched and grinning people who’d seen this act of kindness. As the game progressed, the now scarf-wearing gentleman could be seen jumping up and dancing with the chanting. The Hellboys, through pure kindness, had created an amazing day. It was enough to bring a tear to the eye.

The game ended, and everyone started leaving the stadium. I’d forgotten about the offer of a scarf as I’d just thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. We stood by the exit gate waiting for our lift when the leader of the singing saw me. He came straight over and gave me the promised scarf. Obviously, we took a few photos. They’d put the cherry on the icing on top of the cake. I’ll be wearing the scarf with pride at every game, even when the new stadium is ready and I have an hour-long trip to get there.

I’d just become a Hellboy. It’s something I’m very proud of.

It hasn’t been the first present I’ve been given at a football match in the past month. We have a group of us who go to the football together, which is always fun. I was given a very pleasant surprise when my friend Bryant Latham handed me an envelope before the game. I had no idea what it was. I opened it to find a signed photo of Watford legend, Lloyd Doyley. A very special present for a lifelong Watford fan from the town I’ll always call home. Thanks to both Bryant and Lloydinho. It’s put a massive smile on my face for weeks!

Thankfully, there has been time to do some work in between my trips to football and volleyball matches. (Volleyball was another new experience and one I highly recommend).

The work has been important, though. We’ve created the song and video we’re calling “Welcome To The Stray Army”. You can watch it by clicking below. We have ideas for more songs and videos and will keep you updated.

We’ve also seen our great friend and incredibly talented author and artist, Jay Jean Jackson, publish her second book about Douc and Bandito as they go on a Caribbean Cruise. You can click the link below to buy her new book or go to www.jayjeanjackson.com to find out more.

For now, we have work to do, so we’ll see you soon.

Take care

MaxS and the Stray Army