By the BSYFC management.
For the second year running, Bradley Stoke Youth FC (BSYFC) was fortunate to be selected from all the FA Charter Standard Clubs in the UK and Ireland to walk around the Wembley pitch before the Community Shield match of Arsenal v Chelsea.
BSYFC was represented by squad players from the U14 girls, U13 girls and U8s. The day started at 8.30am with the coach rolling out of Bradley Stoke for arrival at Wembley for 11am. We were based in the Press Room for the majority of the day where, at 11.30am, we had our first walk around the Wembley pitch as we performed the rehearsal for the main event. We were allowed to take our videos and photos while we were out on the Wembley pitch and also had our photo taken by the main photographer with our BSYFC placard and the squad. Then it was back to the Press Room for lunch and a football quiz. Well done to Martin who came top for the BSYFC squad, closely followed by the pairing of Ross and Katie Rawlings. We had our final briefing and it was time for the real thing.
We walked past the Arsenal changing rooms and into position in the tunnel area next to the Arsenal team who were warming up. Then we got the thumbs up to start the walk. We came out to 85,000 supporters applauding as we walked around the pitch. We got to the South Stand and we were stopped while top star Jess Glynne started booming out “Hold my Hand” with the fire zooming high into the sky which was really hot as we were so close to it. We were then given the thumbs up to continue our walk and, of course, we were singing along to the song while smiling and waving our flags and walking proudly behind the massive BSYFC placard.
We exited via the far tunnel and that was the end of the walkaround. We then rushed back to the Press Room, picked up our stuff and raced into the lift to get us up to our seats and to meet up with the parents.
The match was great, with Arsenal winning 1-0. Then, with the game finished, we boarded the coach back to Bradley Stoke. Some did have a little snooze on the way back. We arrived back at home for 8pm tired but still excited after another great day out.
Many thanks to McDonald’s for selecting BSYFC for two years on the trot now. Well done to all the squad – we have already had feedback to say we were great to have and were well behaved.
Thanks to all for being great ambassadors for the club – it does get noticed.
Many thanks also to Martin and Ross for baby sitting the squad for four hours, allowing the parents to relax and have fun.
This article originally appeared in the September 2015 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
