Daniel and Sebastian - Mascots for the Day

Daniel and Sebastian (HW Juniors) are mascots for the Blackburn match.

The boys describe the day in their own words.

SEBASTIAN: AGE 9 3/4

''It was quite unbelievable to do something like this and it is very hard to arrange because everyone wants to do it at some point in their life and it was brilliant that Leeds did this for us.

For me this is like a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I hope someone saw me on the television! My favourite part was going on to the pitch even though it was spitting with rain out there, but the best part was when I got to keep the kit after the match.''

''I even got interviewed by LUTV, I told them what my name was, how old I was, they asked me if I played for a football team and my football team is Locks Heath Lions or LHL for short. I also told them who my favourite player was who is Ethan Ampadu-du-du, and finally, they asked me what I thought the score would be. I said 2-0 or 3-0 to Leeds but I think I was wrong. 

I got autographs from some of the players not all of them, but some of them ... but at least I got one from Ampadu. ''

''Do you want to know who I walked out onto the pitch with? I’ll give you a clue all right? OK. Here it is. He wears the number 3, and he is from the Dominican Republic. If you said Crysencio Summerville, you’re wrong! It was Junior Firpo, the Full-Back! 

Speaking of going out onto the pitch, it was sooooo loud out there! I mean SERIOUSLY!!! It sounded like there was 5 Elland Roads there!!!

Leeds should have won the game by about 5-1, but no mercy shown by the ref!''

''I really hope that I get to do this again sometime but for now this has been one of the best days of my life so far. 

For the awards ceremony, I chose Dan James for goal of the season with that halfway liner from 45 yards out!  I chose Archie Gray for player of the season and for young player of the season.

Oh! In a few weeks time, I’m going up to Leeds to see the mighty whites take on Southampton, and I’m never calling Southampton “The Saints” again! You know what, I really shouldn’t because all my friends support Pompey instead! Anyways, I hope Leeds finish in the automatic promotion places and get a result against Southampton but we need to keep an eye on Ipswich Town because they are putting up a fight! '

Also we’ve beaten Leicester and Ipswich both at Home and Away so there’s no reason why we can’t beat Southampton. Right, that’s it from me, I hope someone else has opportunity like this and most importantly, they have a great time!''

DANIEL: AGE 11

''On 13th April 2024, I was a mascot for the Leeds v Blackburn match and it was amazing!

I arrived at Elland Road, 2 hours before kick off and went straight into the ground. I was so excited to find out which player I would be walking out of the tunnel with.''

''I was greeted by the Leeds mascot guardians who gave me a massive goodie bag, full of Leeds merchandise and a new kit for me to wear. I met the other mascots too and had some photos taken.

We lined up to see the players arrive and get their autographs, I met Beckford as his son was also being a mascot and Stuart Dallas was there as well. I was standing right next to him when he was being interviewed for Sky TV.

While the players were training, we were allowed to go pitch side and stand in the Technical Area, it was so cool to see the stands filling up with fans and see find out what it's like to be Daniel Farke.''

''It was soon only a few minutes till kickoff and we waited in the tunnel for the players to come out of the dressing room and stand next to us. I kept thinking what Daniel Farke would be saying to them.

And then, I was thrilled when Joe Rodon stood next me! Wow. He held my hand and we walked out on to the pitch in front of 36,000 fans! Singing 'Marching on Together' it was an absolutely incredible experience.

We shook hands with the Blackburn players and the referees and then I met up with my Dad and we found our seats just in time for kick off.''

Leeds dominated the game and the amount of shots was unbelievable but so was the amount of time wasting from Blackburn.

After the first half of frustration, the second half was the same, except Blackburn scored a goal in the last few minutes and that was our unbeaten home record gone. 

After the game, Dad took me for a drink in the Luke Ale Inn.

The following photo gallery of the boys special day has been added with kind permission of Heidi Haigh - followmeandleedsunited.co.uk

Hampshire Whites would like to thank Dominique, Sophie, the players and everyone else at Leeds United who made the boys' day one that they will remember for the rest of their lives!