A group of Year 5 and 6 pupils from Walton Priory Middle School enjoyed an amazing experience on Saturday (19th March) when they were ball boys (and one ball girl) for Walsall FC’s crucial League One clash against Colchester United.
With Walsall having made an excellent start to the season but needing pouts to maintain their promotion hopes, and Colchester fighting against relegation, it was a vital game for both teams. The match also marked the home debut of Walsall manager Jon Whitney and as a result the ground was packed, with almost 6,000 people there.
For all of the Walton Priory students this was the first time they had visited Walsall to be ball boys and girls so it was a new and exciting experience! It was also an honour for the school to be asked to do the job for one of Walsall’s most important games of the season, with director of community Scott Sumner commenting that he had no hesitation in inviting the children as in previous visits Walton Priory pupils’ effort and behaviour had always been impeccable.
Teacher Mr Mobberley recommended the current Walton pupils as they are always perfect ambassadors for the school and club – and this proved to be the case on Saturday.
Before the game the children enjoyed 90 minutes of football at the Walsall Academy pitch before the main part of the afternoon began. About 20 minutes before kick-off they went out on to the pitch, led out by Luke Evans, and lined up to meet and welcome the teams on to the pitch.
They then took their pitchside seats to help the game run smoothly and hopefully do their bit to help the Saddlers maintain their place in the league’s promotion places. And Walsall obliged in a thrilling finale to the game, when they equalised in the last minute and grabbed a winner in the fourth minute of added-on time.
It was a real afternoon to remember for the youngsters, with all 16 having a story to tell about their experience. A signed Walsall football will be awarded to Ryan Jones from Year 6 for showing a standout effort in training and marking his first time as a Walsall ball boy.
The group are now hoping they may have another chance to visit and do the same again, maybe before the end of this season or next year, when Walsall are hopefully in the Championship!
