Juniors at Redlands United FC were given the opportunity to be part of the first Brisbane AFC Asian Cup match between China PR and Saudi Arabia recently.
Eleven lucky Redlands players aged between six and 10 had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be player escorts for the Chinese national team, walking out onto the field with some of the best football talent in Asia.
The children had a backstage pass to the inner workings of Suncorp Stadium during match day and had a chance to check out the field before the fans started to enter the stands.
The Redlands players were eager to get out onto the pitch to see the crowds but were rewarded for their patience with a visit from Nutmeg, the Asian Cup Mascot, just before they lined up with the players in the tunnel.
Michael Bradley, 7, was one of the Redlands representatives on the night who will long remember the experience.
"I was really nervous when we walked onto the pitch because of all the people in the crowd, but I was also really excited. I had so much fun," he said.
Michael was lucky enough to have a small chat with Wu Xi (China's No.15) before they walked out onto the pitch. The player gave Michael some advice and told him to try his best at all times.
"He was really nice so I wished him good luck and it worked because China won," Michael said.
Michael's father, Andy Bradley, watched as his young son walked out onto Suncorp in front of 12,557 supporters.
"It was fantastic; I was just so proud of my wee man," Andy said.
"I was proud of all the Redlands kids; they did a great job and were so well behaved on the pitch.
"Being able to participate in this event with Redlands was amazing and it's great that the kids can get involved in an event like this."
Redlands United general manager Martin Hampson said being able to provide some of the club's young players with this type of experience was an incredible opportunity.
"As a club we strive to provide players with the very best football experience through our junior and senior program and we just jumped at the opportunity to reward some of our members with this once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Redlands United is currently taking registrations for players aged three to seniors for 2015. For more information, go to the website.
