By 
THE recent FA Cup match between Liverpool and Brighton saw a dream come true for one lucky local fan who got to lead the team out as a club mascot.
Strabane’s Eibhlin Hendry was front and centre as the teams arrived on the pitch alongside club captain and one of her favourite players, Virgil Van Dijk.
Dad Chris detailed the adventure for the Chronicle, admitting he initially thought it was a scam.
He said, “Myself and wife, Leonie were going up to collect the kids from school last week and I realised I had a missed call and voicemail. Not recognising the number I rang them back and it was the club telling me to check my email.
“I checked and saw an email that said Eibhlin was selected as a club mascot for Saturday’s FA Cup game. I was initially a bit sceptical, anyone can throw up a Liverpool badge on a fake email, and we hadn’t entered any of the kids into a draw. It seems that you only have to be a club member to be eligible for mascot duty.”
Still slightly unsure, the family went ahead and booked flights and a hotel – but not before breaking the news to Eibhlin. Chris joked, “It was like telling Charlie Bucket he had a golden ticket and I was Grandpa Joe!”
Instructions from the club required them to be at the stadium by 5:45pm. Eibhlin had to give shirt measurements and pose for a picture for the match programme. There was also time for a buffet dinner, all laid on by the club, and a trip inside the stadium between the main stand and the famous Kop.
Chris continued, “It used to be that every team member had a mascot but now they have four home mascots, two led out by the captain and two led out by the goalkeeper. Two of Eibhlin’s favourite players are Van Dijk and Alisson so either way she was being led out by someone she admired and, every time the camera was on her, all Eibhlin could do was grin!
“It was just an absolutely professional experience from start to finish. Virgil was great with all the mascots who got to have a small kick about with him before the game before being brought back to their parents.”
If the memory wasn’t enough, Eibhlin was presented with a gold mascot’s coin, a certificate, and a photo of the day to cherish.
Chris finished by saying, “It really was just the best day. You can’t put a price on that kind of experience; it’s something that will last a lifetime!”
