Player mascots and flag carriers play starring role

Abu Dhabi: Over 2,000 children from all corners of the United Arab Emirates have enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime this January by taking on the role of official flag carriers and player mascots for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, with a select few lucky youngsters now making preparations to take to the pitch of Zayed Sports City for today’s historic final.

Selected from over 30 schools and football clubs in a wide engagement programme that ran throughout 2018, the diverse group of children were placed into roles as either flag carriers or player mascots and taken to stadiums five hours before kick-off at each designated match, where they received two hours of on pitch training, before playing an integral part in the pre-match ceremony.

For many of the children, the experience has provided a unique and exhilarating opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of the UAE’s most impressive stadiums, before stepping onto the pitch with international football stars and witnessing all the action of the AFC Asian Cup unfold from VIP seats in the stands.

One of those youngsters, Belal Mohammed from Sheikh Zayed School for boys, who acted as flag carrier for a semi-final match summed up his experience by saying: “This chance to be a flag carrier has been amazing because I get to see all my favourite players in real life before the match and on the pitch. I love football, so this was an inspiring experience. It’s also been great to do it with my friends.”

Thirty youngsters are now making their final preparations to be involved in the biggest game yet, as Japan take on Qatar in Friday's final of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 in the country’s capital at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Eight flag carriers have been exclusively selected to carry out final responsibilities, having delivered their responsibilities to the highest standards, with the 22 player mascots being provided on a one-off basis by tournament sponsor Continental.Source: the-afc.com