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Young Nottingham Forest supporter Toby won an incredible opportunity to be a mascot at the City Ground through our Community Trust prize draw at the end of last year.

Walking out alongside the players, meeting his heroes, and stepping onto the pitch in front of thousands of supporters made it a matchday he and his family will never forget.

The mascot prize draw creates unforgettable experiences for young fans while raising vital funds for Nottingham Forest Community Trust, helping us deliver programmes that support the health, wellbeing, and opportunities of people across our communities.

We caught up with Toby and his dad, Ben, to hear about their special day and why they would encourage other supporters to enter the current draw.

Toby

How did you feel when you found out you’d won?

I was really happy. It was the best day ever! The Community Trust sent me a letter to let me know, and my dad and Katy gave it to me on my birthday, which made it even more special.

What was the day like from the moment you arrived at the City Ground?

It was amazing! I loved the museum and the stadium tour, and going out on the pitch was incredible.

What was your favourite moment from the whole experience?

Meeting the players, especially Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo, was the best. I was a bit gutted that Ryan Yates and Chris Wood were injured. Morgan even put a coat on me because I was cold. My shirt is getting framed for my new bedroom wall.

What was it like walking out onto the pitch alongside the players?

Absolutely the best day ever. I loved walking through the tunnel, it felt amazing.

Did anything surprise you about being a mascot?

The coaches who looked after us were really nice, and the other mascots were really friendly. I got to put the ball on the plinth before the referees walked the teams out and even had a kickabout in the centre circle in front of all the fans. The stadium tour was great, and I loved sitting in the dugout seats. The museum was brilliant, and the interview areas were cool.

Any advice for others thinking of entering?

Good luck! You won’t regret it.

Ben (Dad)

How did you first find out about the mascot prize draw?

I got an email and entered the first time it came through, then entered again before it closed. In total, we made two £20 donations, which gave us 16 entries.

How does it feel knowing that entering helped support programmes for local communities?

It feels really rewarding. Toby goes to the Community Trust Soccer Schools, so seeing first-hand the affordable provision for children is great. We’ve also been to the Trust’s Family Fun Day. Toby loves everything Forest, so we couldn’t believe he won. It’s amazing knowing our donations, along with others, help fund programmes that support local kids.

What would you say to other supporters thinking about entering the current mascot prize draw for the Villa game?

Do it! Seeing the joy Toby experienced was unforgettable. It was bigger than football and it made his dreams come true. Meeting the players and walking on the pitch is something he—and we—will remember forever. He even got to live out my dream!

Why should people get involved and support the Trust through initiatives like this?

For young kids, football can be everything. Winning gave Toby a brilliant experience, but the funds also enable other children to enjoy sport and have access to the football club through the great coaches at the Community Trust. Many kids in Nottingham don’t have much access to sport, so the Community Trust plays a vital role. Supporting it was an easy choice for us.

Any extra reflections?

We couldn’t believe the reaction to the video after Toby’s mascot experience. Fans sent messages, tagged us, and left such lovely comments. It made us proud to be Forest fans and even prouder of Toby.

Click here to enter to our prize draw to become a mascot for Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa.