Continuing the great tradition of fan involvement at Charlton, young supporter James Pooley was given the chance to be mascot when the Addicks hosted Barnsley at The Valley last month.
James' parents won a pair of match tickets at an auction and wanted to get something signed by the players. Player Liaison Officer Tracey Leaburn instead organised for James to be a matchday mascot and meet the squad.
Speaking to Valley Pass, she said: “As a family club, we thought we could do something lovely for James and we invited him to be the mascot for the day.
“Because James is such an avid fan, we wanted do something more and, having spent time with him, he is amazing.
“He really enjoyed it and you can't bottle the feeling of doing something when you see how happy and excited they are. That's what, to me, Charlton is all about.”
Guest of honour James, who has Down's Syndrome, was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour, before meeting the players in the dressing room, including his favourite player Ben Reeves, before leading the team out at The Valley.
James had been bought his first Charlton shirt by his grandad and life-long Addicks fan Richard Lee, who passed away when James was just two years old, and two Karlan Grant goals ensured that James saw a victory on a day that will last long in the memory for him and his family.
For more information on mascot packages at The Valley, please click here.
Article by Charlie Elson Farmer