A LUCKY Barnsley fan has been chosen to lead out the England Under-21 team in the first competitive match to be played at the new Wembley stadium.
Sam Horton, 10, of Hoyland Road was selected for the friendly against Italy Under-21s after entering a competition run by the Official England Supporters Club.
Now the Hoyland Common pupil will help make history as an England mascot in the first professional game to be held at the new stadium.
Dad Ian said: “He couldn't believe it when I told him he'd won. He's really looking forward to it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The Barnsley season ticket holder has followed England since 2003 and even went to the World Cup in Germany last summer. But Sam's trip was soured when a newspaper showed him hanging up a Sheffield Wednesday flag on behalf of a friend.
Ian said: “He was devastated as the writing suggested we were all Wednesday fans. He was called ‘Sammy the Owl’ after that.”
Now Sam will proudly put the record straight by flying the Barnsley colours on his visit to the new home of English football.
The Hoyland Town Magpies player will travel to London tonight with Dad Ian, Mum Lynne and four-year old sister Lilly ready for kick-off tomorrow at 12.30pm.
It will be his second trip in a week to the new ground after attending the charity match last weekend.
