TWO nine-year-olds were over the moon when they got to stride out on hallowed ground with their football idols.
Friends Sam Pickering and Harrison Cox, who are in the same class at Elsecar Holy Trinity school, became football mascots for the day after they were chosen in a competition draw run by Mastercard.
Sam walked out at the start of the Manchester City versus Barcelona game alongside City's top striker Alvaro Negredo.
His pal Harrison also got to stride out at City's Etihad Stadium before Christmas.
Both Sam and Harrison play in the same under-tens Hoyland Magpies team run by Sam's dad Mark.
Mark, of Strafford Avenue, Elsecar, said: "It's amazing that they both won this chance, especially when they are friends.
"Both the lads had a fantastic experience and got to keep the champions league kit that they walked out in. It is a really 'feelgood' story for two young footballers who got to meet their idols on a world stage."
