MEMBERS of a youth football team have won a top football honour.
The youngsters from the Brickfield Rangers FC Under 10s in Wrexham have been given the chance of a lifetime to walk out with the Welsh and Austrian national teams when they play at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on February 6.
Brickfield – the Welsh Football Trust Club of the Year 2012 – have earned the opportunity after being recognised for their excellent work within the community.
Chairman Paul Hooson said everyone was delighted.
“It is a massive honour for us to be involved in an international match. We were all so pleased when we were told.”
Mr Hooson said Brickfield, which started in 1976, currently has 24 teams which includes youth football all the way up to adult level, and has achieved the gold standard in the Football Association of Wales accreditation scheme.
“There is a big emphasis on being inclusive and giving a warm welcome for everyone. We want kids to play and enjoy themselves.”
Brickfield’s footballers are looking forward to walking out alongside some of the Premier League’s biggest stars including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Player Joshua Adams said: “I am really excited and I can’t wait to tell everyone at school.
“It will be even better as we will be able to walk out as a team together and hopefully we bring them good luck.’’
Many of the footballers who have played for Brickfield Rangers have gone on to be involved with professional clubs. Included in their ranks is former Wales international Robbie Savage.
Ian Rush, McDonald’s director of Welsh football, added: “The Welsh national team will want to get off to a great start in 2013 with a positive performance against a strong Austrian squad.
“The atmosphere will be electric and I’m sure the player escorts walking onto the pitch will have a fantastic time.
“The McDonald’s football programme is about creating opportunities for people to get involved in grassroots football and to give youngsters footballing opportunities they will never forget.
“Hopefully this will be one of them.”