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Wembley victory for Liam Donovan of Emerald Crescent, Sittingbourne

A football fan ran out on to the hallowed turf of Wembley to play in a team managed by a soccer legend.

Liam Donovan, of Emerald Crescent, Sittingbourne, got to run out beneath the famous arch wearing the Three Lions’ new away strip.

Speaking afterwards, the 28-year-old, said: “It’s been a truly unforgettable experience.

Liam Donovan (centre) from Sittingbourne with England legends Ray Parlour (left) and Gary Mabutt.
Liam Donovan (centre) from Sittingbourne with England legends Ray Parlour (left) and Gary Mabutt.

“To play here in this magnificent stadium alongside legends of the game, what else can I say?”

To him and his teammates’ great surprise, when they arrived at the 90,000-seater stadium they discovered ex-Spurs and England defender Gary Mabbutt was to be their coach for the day.

And midfielder Ray Parlour, who also played for the Three Lions and is a former Arsenal stalwart, was the manager of the opposition.

The game was organised by England’s sponsors Vauxhall as part of its Big Pitch project which is in its fourth year.

Liam, a coach for Chelsea FC’s football foundation, was among a nationwide group of players chosen to take part by STR Skill School which features on YouTube.

Ray Parlour
Ray Parlour

He said: “We were given behind the scenes access at Wembley and to run out of the tunnel was an unbelievable experience.

“And then when the managers were revealed, the look on everyone’s faces was something I’ll never forget. We just couldn’t believe it.”

To make his day complete, Liam’s team won 6-2, making him a bonafide ‘Wembley winner’.

Ray Parlour said: “I’m sure they will all remember this day for a very long time – it’s not every day you run out at Wembley Stadium.”

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