Dorset Fly the Flag at Wembley
Wednesday 3 March 2010, saw Dorset County FA provide the flag bearers for the England v Egypt match at Wembley Stadium.
The young people were selected from three FA Charter Standard Community Clubs:
Blandford United Youth FC – Oliver Clark and Callum Bainbridge
Branksome United Youth FC – Madison Kemp and Shelby Leonard
Poole Town FC Wessex – Sam Lench and Jordan White
Chaperoned by DCFA staff, the flag bearers and parents/guardians boarded the coach at 1.30pm to travel to London, all brimming with expectation and excitement about the day ahead! We arrived at Wembley around 4pm, to be met by FA staff, who led us into the inner sanctum of the awe inspiring National Stadium.
The FA staff led the flag bearers through rehearsals on the pitch, prior to the teams and crowd arriving. Just before kick off, the flag bearers had their final practice on the pitch, as the players were warming up.
As kick off approached, the flag bearers were led into the tunnel, to be met by a crescendo of noise from the waiting 80,000 fans. Players and mascots then appeared; and the Dorset flag bearers led the teams out onto the hallowed turf!
After their duties were performed admirably, the flag bearers joined their parents/guardians in the stands for the match. The children were full of excitement at the end of a long day that will stay long in the memory for all involved!!
‘To stand on the pitch at Wembley in front of 80,000 people is an experience I will never forget; I feel privileged and honoured to represent Dorset FA at such a special occasion!’ – Jordan White.
‘Words cannot describe how I felt seeing him there on the pitch, he was so excited and privileged to be there. This experience will stay with him for ever. I would like to thank everyone at the Dorset FA for this opportunity!’ – Christiaan and Sam Lench.