World Cup honour for mascot Seb (From Daily Echo)

Seb from Romsey is World Cup mascot

4:16pm Thursday 10th June 2010 in News

IT’S every England football fan’s dream to see the team play in the World Cup but few get the chance to walk out on to the pitch with their idols.

But that is just what seven-year-old Romsey schoolboy Seb Gay, will be doing on Saturday, after winning a competition to be an England team mascot.

Saints fan Seb is one of six lucky youngsters who will accompany the England team as they take to the field before their opening match against the USA in Rustenberg.

The honour comes as just reward for Seb’s devotion to his disabled younger brother.

Parents were asked to say in no more than 100 words why their child should be chosen.

Mum Sarah Gay wrote how Seb cares for his younger brother Rupert, who suffered from a number of health problems, has undergone four operations and has speech and hearing problems.

“He has taken on the extra responsibility of a disabled sibling with a maturity that exceeds his age. He is bright and attentive at school, sporty and fun. We are so proud of him,” she said.

Seb, who plays for Braishfield Bees under-8s, said his favourite England player was Wayne Rooney and he was confident England were going to be “great” and win the World Cup.

The Romsey Abbey Primary pupil is being accompanied on his all expenses-paid trip of a lifetime by his dad, James.