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Five participants from Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Premier League Kicks sessions were recently selected to be player mascots for the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa at the City Ground on 30th April.

The group were rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to them excelling on our Premier League Kicks programme and showing consistent commitment to their local sessions.

On the night, they joined 17 other mascots to walk out onto the pitch alongside both teams’ starting XI.

The experience provided a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a high-profile European fixture.

Once-in-a-lifetime Matchday Memories 

The participants reflected:

“I’ve been enjoying my day so much. I got to see all the players and even got a full kit, which was really fun.”

“I felt really lucky to be picked. I really enjoy going to Premier League Kicks, and getting the chance to be a mascot for the day has made it the best day ever.”

“Walking out at the City Ground was incredible. It’s a memory I’ll never forget and I’m so happy I got to do it with my friends from Kicks.”

Callum Elliott, Operations Manager at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: “Seeing the pure excitement on the faces of our Premier League Kicks participants as they stood in the tunnel was a highlight of the evening.

“At the Trust, we strive to provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and create lasting memories that stay with these young people forever. There is no bigger stage than a European semi-final, and seeing them enjoy this moment after working so hard in our sessions is what our work is all about.”

Premier League Kicks uses the power of football to connect with young people in our local communities, providing free weekly football sessions and educational workshops. This mascot experience serves as a testament to the program’s ability to inspire and reward those who go above and beyond in their local community.