Quantcast
Channel: Croydon Advertiser Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 8978

Little Olivia to walk out at Old Trafford with Manchester United and Real Madrid stars

$
0
0

ONE is a huge football fan, the other is not that bothered about the beautiful game.

Maddison Dale, ten, will be watching tonight's Champions League clash between Manchester United and Real Madrid with a hint of jealousy when sister Olivia, seven, runs out with some of the world's top footballers.

The children's father Michael Dale, of Beverley, will be watching from the stands at Old Trafford

"There is a hint of jealousy between Olivia and Maddison," he said.

"Maddison plays football and follows football more.

"Olivia knows who some of the players are and is excited but I don't think she really understands what it means and what it will be like.

"When I explained it, she said 'Oh, wow, can I have my hair done'."

Tens of thousands of people will be watching at Old Trafford, with millions more watching the clash on TV.

Eyes will be on Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo returning to his old stomping ground for the first time since his departure.

For Mr Dale, 31, it will be all about his daughter Olivia's performance.

"I am probably more excited than Olivia," said Mr Dale,

"We don't know which player she will walk out with or even from which team.

"My choice would definitely be Ronaldo. I know he doesn't play for Man U but he is still an amazing player."

Mr Dale entered both daughters into the Uefa competition to walk out with a player on to the Old Trafford pitch prior to the game.

"I entered both my daughters into the Uefa competition and got a phone call last month saying Olivia had been picked to walk out with the players," said Mr Dale, who is a Man United fan.

"I couldn't believe it when I got the phone call saying she was going to be a mascot. I'm still on cloud nine."

Following the last 16 first leg, the tie is delicately poised at 1-1.

As well as the prize of reaching the next stage of the Champions League, the match also looks set to see Man U player Ryan Giggs mark his 1,000th career game after he was rested in the 4-0 Premier League victory against Norwich at the weekend.

Olivia, who has been allowed to take the afternoon off at St Mary's Church of England Primary School in Beverley for the match, is not too concerned about walking out on the pitch in front of more than 75,000 fans in what is guaranteed to be an electric atmosphere.

She said: "I'm very excited, but a bit nervous."

Her friends have taken some convincing that she is walking out at the match tonight.

"Some of my friends at school don't believe me, while others said 'wow' when I told them," she said.

"I don't really mind which player I walk out with.

"My sister can't believe that I will be on TV. She is very jealous."

Watching the game in Beverley will be Olivia's mother Nicky, who is a sports rehabilitator for Beverley Rugby Union Club.

She said: "I'm working but I'm hoping I will be able to watch it in the club house and see if I can spot Olivia."

"She has been to watch Hull KR play Hull FC which is a great atmosphere, but this will be completely different.

"I don't think it has really dawned on her, but it will when she gets there. I have tried to show her a few football games to show her what it will be like.

"It was a huge shock when I found out she would be a mascot and I have had parents from school asking me if it is true."

The game kicks off at 7.45pm.

Mr Dale said: "I will be proud to watch my child walk out on the pitch with two of the biggest footballing teams in the world."

Little Olivia to walk out at Old Trafford with Manchester United and Real Madrid stars


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 8978

Trending Articles