Wembley dream comes true for South Woodford schoolgirl

AN eight-year-old girl had the experience of a lifetime when she stepped out on to Wembley’s hallowed turf as a mascot last week.

Mia Lilley, a pupil at Churchfields Junior School in Churchfields, South Woodford, led out the Montenegro team alongside captain Branko Boskovic for the European Championship qualifying match.

West Ham fan Mia said: “I thought I was dreaming when I found I was going to be the mascot. I was so excited in the build up and I couldn’t wait to see Wayne Rooney.

“It was such an amazing feeling to walk out with all the players in such a massive stadium.”

Mia, of Forest Road, Woodford Green, was picked after the school raised more than �2,500 last year for charity Sports Connections, which aims to show children the positive impact of participating in sport.

PE teacher Kate O’Riordan said: “Mia is a football fanatic and avid West Ham fan so we thought she would be a perfect mascot.

“I was so proud to see her walk out on the pitch and I’m sure she will never forget the experience.”