But for 16 lucky youngsters from Bolton -- the dream of stepping out on the hallowed turf became a reality. Youngsters from Ladybridge and Bolton County amateur football clubs took on the juniors from Central Warwickshire in front of the Wembley crowds. "It was a day they will never forget for the rest of their lives," said Gary Worthy, one of the parents and fund raisers of the Ladybridge Club. "They had a fantastic time," he added. For the youngsters, the day had all the hallmarks of greatness. From their arrival at the Twin Towers they were treated just like the professionals -- changing into their strips in the dressing rooms and then that walk down that famous Wembley Tunnel. And once on the pitch, they were watched by players from Wanderers and Villa as they took on schoolboys from the Midlands. Gary, whose son Callum, aged 10, was the Ladybridge goalie, said: "The lads played in front of a cheering crowd."

Unfortunately, the games went in favour of the Midlands teams and both Ladybridge and Bolton County lost their games 2-0. But the day wasn't over. The lads were able to sit back and cheer on Bolton.

Although they came home without the wins they wanted, the lads thoroughly enjoyed their day -- and they have invited their rivals to Bolton for a challenge match next month.

"The youngsters did Bolton proud and they can turn round in the future and say they played at Wembley -- unlike a lot of professionals," added Gary.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.