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James' special day as mascot

Primary school pupils’ delight at Carrington Christmas surprise, with special appearances from three Reds

| by Matthew Brown

Manchester United Foundation partner school pupil James enjoyed an unforgettable matchday experience at Old Trafford last month.

James, a student at Foundation partner school, The Oldham Academy North, believed his school football team had been recognised for their achievements, when a set of club cameras set upon them for a training session in November.

But it was from that moment that James – who has aspirations of becoming a football coach in the future – began to learn of an incredible sequence of events that were set to follow.

“James, we heard a lot about you, and we would love you to join us at Old Trafford,” Alejandro Garnacho told the youngster in a recorded phone message – which he watched excitedly on the school pitch, with his team-mates peering over his shoulder.

Garnacho stood alongside Joe Keeble in the video, who is the Foundation’s high school partnership officer at The Oldham Academy North. As part of his role, Joe supports pupils, including James, to improve their life chances by providing unique opportunities and experiences enabled by the connection with Manchester United.

“This year, we wanted to do something special for someone deserving,” said Joe. “James is such a nice young lad – he acts like a big brother to the team. He’s got such a drive, such a nice personality, and he’s going to become such a great young adult.”

So, along with a signed football by Garnacho, James’ gift was an invite to one of last month’s Premier Leagues contests at Old Traffford, together with his family.

What he wasn’t told until the day came was the added extras he would enjoy. Stood pitchside, James met former players including Denis Irwin before kick-off, where he was gifted this season’s home and away kits.

James and his siblings met the Reds in the players’ tunnel before their pre-match warm-up – where he was able to get his newly gifted shirts signed – creating precious memories with the squad. At kick-off, he walked out as a mascot alongside Garnacho – his self-proclaimed favourite player – before he and his family took penalties on the pitch at half-time.

“Having that opportunity to walk out with Garnacho, it was very special,” said James.

“There’s no-one who deserves this as much as James does,” Joe added. “Him having this opportunity has been unreal. “I’m so glad he can take this experience and use it to push himself forwards, develop himself, and keep dreaming of whatever he wants to do - knowing there will always be an opportunity for him to get to where he wants to in life.”