Bedford Town’s Tyrone Marsh has been front and centre of the Eagles holding their own in National League North this season, scoring 17 league goals and counting, but the in-form striker has now swapped his goalscoring boots for fashion, as he fronts Kappa’s new sportswear range.
Marsh, who joined his hometown club from Boreham Wood in June, recently took the Italian brand down memory lane in visiting the areas of Bedford that made him who he is today, all while showing off Kappa’s new AW25 collection.
Aided by Bedford Town’s own photographer, Simon Gill and the club’s Head of Media, Dan Coulthard who designed the billboards for the campaign, Marsh began with visits to Hartwell Drive and Hillgrounds Road in Kempston; a space synonymous with Bedford football culture.
He would then go on to the infamous “cages” of London Road.
“We went from all the greenery to what we called ‘cage football’, where I learnt the tough and physical side of the game”, says Tyrone, speaking to Bedford Independent.
“There’s no wonder I can play against these six feet five centre backs. Resilience was born there!
“I’m Bedford born and bred, so at first we started off on Hillgrounds Road, where I lived until I was 13. It was a nice feeling going back to the archway and the little cluster home I grew up in”, adds Marsh.
“So many memories were made here. I remember relentlessly kicking the ball against the wall to perfect both feet. I went to what we called the middle field, where we spent hours playing football back in the day.
“This is where I met my good friend, Tom Grennan who is now a super star! But I’m sure you’ve seen how good he is at football too. Now you know why!”
Read: Fans, venues and local heroes shine in Bedford’s “love letter” to Tom Grennan
Through each location, the campaign champions Marsh’s personal story and pays homage to the fabric of Bedford and connection to the beautiful game.
Marsh began his competitive football life in Kempston, and remembers the time he began playing with the Colts at Hillgrounds, the starting place of so many footballers in the town, with some – like Marsh – going on to bigger and better locations.
“Hillgrounds Road field is where I learnt my trade and started playing competitive football for Kempston Colts. So many goals were scored by me on that field and I’m glad I’ve got to go back there a capture some incredible photos!”
Marsh also tells us about the Kappa campaign, and the pride this specific photoshoot brought.
“The campaign was sick, I already want to be involved in a photoshoot again”, says Marsh.
“But I doubt it will bring that much pride to me that this one did! Kappa is a well known brand and the tracksuits that I wore are cold.
“I’ve had so many compliments about the shoot, the locations and the clothing so I think it went down exactly how we knew it would”, he adds.
“We have enough to stay in this league”
Reflecting on the first half of the season at Bedford Town, the prolific striker admits it “could be going a bit better at the moment”, but says his side have enough about them to stay in National League North.
“We have enough to stay in this league and I’m sure we will”, says Marsh.
“That’s the goal, the fans know it and so do we anything else is a bonus!
“The pride and honour I have playing for my hometown; I don’t think there is a better feeling, especially on a personal side where I’ve scored 17 goals in 20 games.
“I hope I’m inspiring any children growing up from Bedford who may think it’s too big to dream. Although I didn’t make it to the top, it’s been my job for 16 years and I’m sure I would have snapped your hand off knowing how hard it is to play football for a living.
“Shout to my mum who took me everywhere to play football from the whole of Bedfordshire to Oxford and back after work, and she still comes to every game to watch her son play. Without her, I’d be nothing and I’ll appreciate it forever.”
Marsh will be looking at returning to the goalscoring column, as Bedford Town return to National League North action on Tuesday 16 December at The Eyrie, with the game kicking off at 7:45pm.
This article was amended on 10 December at 21:33 to include additional
quotes from Tyrone Marsh, and Dan Coulthard’s inclusion in the campaign
