A dream come true

Coping Through Football participants were in for a treat last week following an invitation from Leyton Orient Trust (LOT) to play an 11-a-side match at the Matchroom Stadium.

The day started with a behind the scenes tour of the dressing rooms and press area followed by the once in a lifetime walk through the players’ tunnel onto the hallowed turf.  This was a rare opportunity for participants to follow in the footsteps of their footballing heroes and experience the thrill of playing in a stadium setting.

The thirty participants were split into two teams and rolling subs throughout the match ensured that everyone was able to enjoy their time on the pitch.  A number of friends and family joined the group to enjoy this special day and there was great support for both teams.  The match score was incidental as everyone emerged as a winner.  The real result was the feeling of euphoria that everyone experienced as they left the stadium having lived out their childhood dreams.

Project Coordinator Sonia Smith said: “The Coping Through Football participants are going to be talking about this day for a very long time.  To have exclusive access to a Football League pitch is such a privilege and we are so grateful to Leyton Orient FC for their continued support of the project.  I must also thank LOT coaches Junior and Trevor for stepping in to the role of Team Manager and to Howard Gould for donning his black kit to referee the match.”