Two friends from the North East have launched a football-based business that will have customers paying for a holiday before even knowing where they are going or what they are doing. 

Lifelong friends and football enthusiasts Alan Harrison and Alex Weegram have launched 'Mystery Gamedays', a business aimed at combining the excitement of live football with surprise travel. 

Their company offers football fans a new way to experience matches across Europe, with destinations only revealed days before departure. 

The idea for the company came to Alan and Alex, who both grew up in Hartlepool, after years of travelling to watch matches abroad.

Co-founders of Mystery Gamedays Alex Weegram and Alan Harrison with the Reveal Packs. Co-founders of Mystery Gamedays Alex Weegram and Alan Harrison with the Reveal Packs. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH) The first adventure took place in secondary school when they attended a Villarreal vs Levante match in Spain. 

One of the founders, Alan, said: "We quickly realised how much we enjoyed combining travel with watching live football in different countries.

"It was after a trip to see Ajax v Heerenveen last year when we decided to turn this passion into a business, adding the element of surprise to make it even more exciting." 

Mystery Gamedays' customer photograph from inside the San Siro, MilanMystery Gamedays' customer photograph from inside the San Siro, Milan (Image: MGD) Mystery Gamedays operates on a straightforward model where customers pick their travel dates, group size, and package level, which includes flights, accommodation, and match tickets. 

The destination is a surprise until 10 to 15 days before the trip, when customers receive a "reveal pack" with full travel details. 

The other owner, Alex, said: "We want that reveal pack to be a big deal. It's designed to be sleek to fit through the letter box and exciting, perfect for a surprise gift or to build anticipation for a stag do. 

"The first order we received was for a 15-man stag do - it's ideal for groups like that." 

Mystery Gameday's reveal packMystery Gameday's reveal pack (Image: MGD) Packages start at £299, including two nights at a three or four star hotel, with options to add extra days for an additional cost. 

The major departure points include Edinburgh, Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Birmingham, and London airports, with additional bespoke options available for departures from Newcastle or Leeds.

The company provides packages to a wide range of European leagues, including La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.

Alan said: "The mystery element allows people to go somewhere they wouldn't ordinarily book themselves. 

"We sent a competition winner to the Geneva derby between Servette and Lausanne on September 28 - that's a game you wouldn't typically consider, but it offers a unique and exciting experience." 

To ensure peace of mind, Mystery Gamedays is ATOL protected and accredited by the CAA. 

Alan said: "We have trusted suppliers in the football and travel industry which allows us to access a network of reliable services and pass on the benefits to our customers. It's hassle free for them."

Mystery Gamedays caters to solo travellers, families, large groups, or corporate parties looking for a memorable football experience in Europe.