A SANDIWAY schoolboy’s dream came true at the weekend as he led his beloved Liverpool out at Wembley Stadium in front of 72,000 spectators for the Community Shield tie.
Leighton Bailey had to pinch himself as he walked out onto the famous turf holding the hand of his hero and Reds captain Jordan Henderson as the Liverpool mascot on Sunday, for their season opener against Manchester City.
Leighton said he couldn't believe it when the Liverpool team left their dressing room
The 10-year-old Sandiway Primary schoolboy said: “It was a dream come true. Ever since I found out that I was going to be a mascot I’ve been counting down the minutes.
“When I saw the players come out of the dressing room and Jordan Henderson grabbed my hand, I just couldn’t believe I was there.
“It was amazing to be in the tunnel and hear the Liverpool fans singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.”
The day was a dream come true for the Sandiway Primary School pupil
The Community Shield is an annual fixture held before the start of the Premier League season and it is usually between the Premier League and FA Cup winners of the last year.
Manchester City won both cups during the last campaign therefore this year’s Community Shield saw them face the Premier League runners up, Liverpool.
Leighton was selected to be a mascot for the game through a draw that he was automatically entered into because he has a junior membership with Liverpool Football Club.
Andy Bailey, Leighton’s dad, said: “We found out about three weeks ago that he had been selected. We took his brother Callum as well. He is only seven so he got to go to Wembley for the first time and it was a brilliant day.
“We all really enjoyed game as well, especially the second half and the atmosphere was brilliant.”
The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes with Manchester City winning 5-4 penalties.
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Leighton and his family were given front row seats by the corner flag for the game and he and Callum both enjoyed the atmosphere of the occasion and both joined in with the Liverpool songs.
Leighton and his younger brother, Callum after the game
Leighton added: “We had a great view of the match and I loved singing all the songs and I did ‘boo’ with the other fans when the Manchester City players came to take a corner.”
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