How Banbury United featured in Manchester City's Champions League game in front of millions of viewers

It may be a pipe dream to see Banbury United Football Club playing at the Etihad Stadium, the home of Premier League champions Manchester City.
By Philip Hibble
Published 2nd Dec 2019, 10:55 BST
Updated 2nd Dec 2019, 10:55 BST
Callum with Manchester Citys Gabriel Jesus.Callum with Manchester Citys Gabriel Jesus.
Callum with Manchester Citys Gabriel Jesus.

But for one of the under 9's youth team the dream came true as he was chosen as a mascot for the UEFA Champions League game, Manchester City vs Shakhtar Donetsk.

BUFC club ambassador, Ronnie Johnson, entered a Mastercard competition for a child to have a mascot experience - and that honour fell to Callum Johnson.

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Ronnie said: "As you are getting older as a grandad you hope that you may have the opportunity to give a wonderful memory to your grandchildren and winning this competition meant that my grandson Callum Johnson, son of BUFC Club Captain Ricky Johnson, was able to walk out in front of over 40,000 fans and a TV audience of millions hand in hand with a football legend!

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The teams, mascots and officials.The teams, mascots and officials.
The teams, mascots and officials.

"Callum was accompanied by his mother Amy as I was at the Banbury Plant Hire Stadium reporting on Banbury United vs Cropredy in the county cup for Radio Oxford in front of around 100 fans – what a comparison that is!

"The occasion meant Callum was brimming with excitement and given the chance to soak up the electric atmosphere in the stadium before walking out through the tunnel and onto the pitch in front of thousands of fans before joining his mother in the stands to watch the match, an experience that he will never forget!"

Related topics:Manchester CityBanbury UnitedRonnie JohnsonChampions LeaguePremier League