Queen's Park Christmas Card Competition Kicks Off With Howden
CHRISTMAS is coming, and so too is the annual Queen’s Park FC Christmas card competition.
Our players in Sean Crighton’s squad try their best to avoid cards each Saturday – but here at The city Stadium and JB McAlpine Pavilion we WANT to see the very best cards our young Spiders supporters can produce.
The competition, in association with Howden Insurance, has been running for five years now and it’s never been more popular.
This year we’ll again cover the local insurance specialists’ windows in festive design entries created by artistic school pupils and young fans from across the southside.
Last year the winning card creation was by Mearns Primary pupil Mayar Abdulkarim whose Scottish themed drawing will adorn the Christmas correspondence from the club and company this festive season.
It features a Highland cow, bagpipes and the opening words to Auld Lang Syne while wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Now, we’re launching the search for our next card to be posted out in December 2026.
With one eye on the excitement generated from our qualification for the 2026 World Cup we’re looking for a Scottish theme and entries will be circulated around local schools this month and can also be downloaded here.
The closing date is Friday, December 12, but designs will be displayed in the window of Howden Insurance at 37 Carmunnock Road as they arrive throughout December.
After the closing date, Queen’s Park head coach Sean Crighton, assistant Jim Duffy and a first-team player will join Howden staff in judging the very best of all submitted entries.
Not only will the winner have the prestige of their card creation being circulated throughout Scottish football on behalf of the club and sponsors Howden, they’ll also receive a goodie bag, £100 meal voucher, Hamley’s voucher and the winning pupil’s teacher will net a special gift bag, courtesy of Howden.
Queen’s Park hot-shot Josh Fowler was joined by Evie, Payton, Kai and Bobby from Mount Florida Primary School to visit the Mount Florida branch of the local insurance specialists and start the search.
Head coach Sean Crighton said: “Jim and I have judged some of the young supporters’ competitions already this year and the creativity has been fantastic to see. I’ve been really impressed every time.
“I’m sure the Christmas cards will be the same. It’s a special time of year and I hope everyone enjoys the festive season however they celebrate – the team will be trying to give our fans reason to celebrate too.
“I hope everyone taking part enjoys making their entries and getting in the festive spirit.”
Spiders striker Josh added: “Mayar’s winning design from last year is brilliant and I’m sure this year’s entries will be just as good.”
June Lynch, managing director at Howden – said: “We are thrilled to once again partner with Queen’s Park FC for this year’s Design a Christmas Card Competition. We’re always proud to display their amazing artwork at our Mount Florida branch – it’s a real show-stopper for passers-by on Carmunnock Road and truly inspiring to see the creativity of the talented children in our community.
“Be sure to stop by and enjoy the festive cheer their designs bring. Best of luck to all the participants!”
Kieran Koszary, Queen’s Park head of commercial added: “As ever we are so grateful to Howden, our neighbours around the corner on Carmunnock Road, and valued club partners who always support this popular competition as well as our matchday 50-50 draw.
“I really mean it when I say every year this competition is one of our highlights and we love seeing the display of our young supporters’ work and we’re proud to bring some festive cheer to this corner of our southside community.”
Closing date for entries is December 12 at 4pm.
Good luck, Merry Christmas and come on the Spiders!
Previous winners
2021 – Macy Flavin (St Fillan’s Primary)
2022 – Morven Campbell (Pollokshields Primary)
2023 – Sahasra (Cathkin Primary)
2024 – Mayar Abdulkarim (Mearns Primary)
