A GROUP of lucky Bolton youngsters will step out onto the hallowed turf of Wembley in front of tens of thousands of fans as a warm-up to Wanderers' historic FA cup tie.

The under-10s from Bolton's mini-soccer league will take on youngsters from Aston Villa in the shadow of the famous twin towers.

Sixteen players from amateur football clubs Ladybridge and Bolton County will have the day of their lives in the build-up to Sunday's semi-final clash.

Stuart Gregory, manager of Bolton County, said: "It's a huge privilege. They are so excited they are just flying at the moment."

The children will walk out onto the pitch and play a series of games between each other using mini-goal posts.

They may get a chance to meet some of the stars from Wanderers or Premiership side Aston Villa as they bump into players at the ground.

Steve Hill, manager of Ladybridge said: "They all just felt such elation. It is a dream come true for them. They just couldn't believe it. We are all still coming to terms with the enormity of the experience the youngsters will have. A parent called me from Germany and another from Switzerland who were away on business just to check it wasn't a prank."

They will meet officials two hours before kick-off before they are taken out onto the ground as the crowds begin to take their seats. The exhibition matches will have proper referees and linesmen and will last 20 minutes.

Bolton's under-10s mini soccer league is one of the biggest in the country with more than 1,000 youngsters involved. Ladybridge and Bolton County teams have nearly 80 players between them.

Famous

The English Football Association have organised the mini matches on one of the most famous venues in the world.

And it will be the last chance for the youngsters ever to step onto the Wembley turf before the ground, built in 1923, is demolished.

Stuart added: "It is something they will remember. We are giving them commemorative medals to keep. Hopefully in 60 years time they will be showing their grandchildren."

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