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Football fan Harrison Bayford, 11, from Dartford, walks out at Wembley

00:01, 18 August 2018

updated: 08:18, 18 August 2018

A youngster fulfilled his dream of walking out at Wembley during a major match.

Football fan Harrison Bayford, 11, who is from Dartford, was able to take part in the experience when he was chosen as a player escort for Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso - ahead of their clash with Manchester City in the Community Shield.

It was a memorable day for Harrison, who lives near Darenth Country Park, when he walked out onto the pitch in front of 72,000 fans alongside the Spanish star at the first competitive game ahead of the 2018/19 Premier League season.

Harrison Bayford from Dartford walked out on Wembley Stadium as a player escort for Marcos Alonso, picture, Ben Queenborough for The FA
Harrison Bayford from Dartford walked out on Wembley Stadium as a player escort for Marcos Alonso, picture, Ben Queenborough for The FA

The match, where reigning champions City took on FA Cup holders Chelsea, saw the Manchester club lifting the trophy after defeating their rivals 2-0.

Harrison, who won the chance by winning a competition on the McDonald’s website, said: “I loved walking out on the Wembley pitch.

“It was exciting looking at the crowd and seeing them all cheering.

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about it, it was an amazing dream come true.”

Sir Geoff Hurst, McDonald’s ambassador, added: “Having the chance of walking out in front of 72,000 fans at Wembley is an incredible experience that will never get old.

“The feeling you get and the reaction from the crowd isn’t something you easily forget.

“I have no doubt that Harrison had a great day and I’m glad football has the ability to bring such a memorable moment to the lives of many promising young players.”

For more information about McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football and to find out how your club could benefit, visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football

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