Issue 468 – Dilton Rovers play at Wembley

YOUNG footballers from Dilton Rovers were lucky enough to play at Wembley, meeting England and Manchester Utd player, Michael Owen, and ex-England heroes Geoff Hurst and Trevor Brooking – and even climbed the hallowed Wembley steps to collect their medals.

Dilton Rovers U9s and U10s were given the opportunity to play in the Football Festival at Wembley Stadium on the 12th August, after being nominated by a local McDonald’s restaurant.
Fifty teams from all over the country took part in this exciting opportunity, with the morning session taking part on pitches close to Wembley. Dilton played teams from Sheffield, Kidderminster, Bournemouth and Newcastle and took part in a coaching session given by F.A. coach and ex-professional West Ham footballer Geoff Pike.
The highlight of the day came in the afternoon when the event moved to Wembley Stadium where the players were introduced to ex-England footballer Trevor Brooking and current England and Man Utd star Michael Owen.
Each team had their photo taken with England World Cup winner, Geoff Hurst, who we all remember as the hat-trick hero of the 1966 World Cup final.
Dilton’s game on the famous turf was against a team from Torquay. Their opponents took a 2-0 lead by half-time however, Dilton’s battling spirit shone through, with Dilton scoring two superb goals to give the boys a well deserved draw.
Even some Premiership players have not had the privilege and thrill of playing at Wembley and the boys all made the most of this fantastic experience. Each player collected their medals after climbing the steps of Wembley to finish a fantastic day out for Dilton Rovers Football Club.
The whole day was sponsored by McDonalds who provided bags of goodies for all the children who took part.
Dilton Rovers play in the Mid Wilts League and have teams in the Under 6s, 8s, 9s, 10s, 12s, 15s and 16s. Any players interested in playing for Dilton Rovers can come along to free training sessions on 21st August and 28th August at Dilton Marsh Playing Field. Please contact secretary Caroline Hillman for further details on 07732 920390