Football mad Dylan Armstrong has a dream come true at Anfield

For young Dylan Armstrong a prize draw brought the chance of a lifetime as he was selected to be a mascot at Liverpool’s recent match against Real Madrid.
Dylan Armstrong and his dad Raymie pause for a selfie at the big game.Dylan Armstrong and his dad Raymie pause for a selfie at the big game.
Dylan Armstrong and his dad Raymie pause for a selfie at the big game.

The football mad nine year-old from Moyraverty Meadows swopped his beloved Craigavon City Under 10s skip for Liverpool’s Champions’ League skip as he escorted Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Marcelo onto the hallowed 
Anfield turf.

Dylan is a pupil at St Brendan’s Primary School and is a Liverpool fan just like his dad Raymie.

The invitation to Anfield came after Dylan’s name came up in a prizedraw run by Mastercard, with Raymie putting 
his son forward.

Dylan Armstrong delighted to be selected as a mascot for the Liverpool game against Real Madrid.Dylan Armstrong delighted to be selected as a mascot for the Liverpool game against Real Madrid.
Dylan Armstrong delighted to be selected as a mascot for the Liverpool game against Real Madrid.

Raymie explained: “Mastercard called to say we had won. Dylan is a big Liverpool fan just like his daddy.

“He was shocked, he didn’t believe it and then he was jumping up and down with joy. I wasn’t far off 
it myself.”

Raymie and son had to pay their fare over to Liverpool but on arrival got first class treatment with a new skip for Dylan and 
other goodies.

They were chaperoned throughout the adventure with Mastercard representatives and club officials there to look 
after them.

MasterCard escorts during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF on October 22, 2014 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)MasterCard escorts during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF on October 22, 2014 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
MasterCard escorts during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF on October 22, 2014 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Raymie said: “The club were really good with the kids, we were very well 
looked after.”

As for the big moment, stepping out to the Anfield roar, Raymie said: “Dylan was a bit nervous but then it was like water off a 
duck’s back.”

And as far as the match was concerned: “He was up and down through the match, he didn’t know where he was going. It was amazing.”

Returning to training with Craigavon City U10s there was only one thing for it - his Liverpool skip was worn proudly.

Raymie said: “That night when we got back to the hotel and he realised what he’d done, well he hasn’t stopped talking about it since.”

It really was a dream come true for the youngster.