Wasim's mascot dream comes true

31/ 1/2008

IT's a once in a lifetime dream come true for young England fan Wasim Tai.

Wasim, aged 10 (pictured) of Batley, West Yorkshire will lead the England players out on the pitch as mascot for England's friendly with Switzerland on February 6 in front of a crowd of over 90000 at Wembley.

An avid football enthusiast, Wasim who goes to Staincliffe Junior School and plays for the Mount Pleasant Junior Football Club was selected as one of three mascots by winning a national competition, through the England members' club, Englandfans.

Wasim joined the Englandfans Club when he went to watch England’s first match at Wembley against Brazil last year. As part of the membership fans get a quarterly magazine.

Said Wasim: "I saw the competition in the magazine and immediately told my dad I wanted to enter it but I never thought I would win, I still cant believe it."

Wasim's favourite England player is Wayne Rooney - not surprising as he also plays for his favourite club side Manchester United.

"I can’t wait to see and meet all the players especially Wayne Rooney, I think I will be a bit nervous," added Wasim.

Wasim will lead the teams out of the tunnel and face a roaring capacity crowd in a full England kit provided by the FA which he will keep.

Mum, Farida said: "He's getting very excited as it's a dream come true for a child to walk out at Wembley with the national team. He loves football and I’m sure he will cherish every moment".

The friendly international will be Fabio Capello’s first game as England’s coach and will be shown live on BBC1 on February 6th at 7.30pm.