A Day in the Life: Ceri Milnes, aged 8

Eight-year-old Arsenal supporter Ceri Milnes describes her day as a mascot at the first Continental Cup Final, written in her own voice. She was chosen at a Continental Shot Stoppers Roadshow held on a wet afternoon in Borehamwood before an Arsenal against Everton league fixture, and travelled to Burton-on-Trent’s Pirelli Stadium with her mother and grandfather, both Arsenal supporters. Milnes recounts rehearsing mascot duties, seeing her hero Rachel Yankey walk past in the tunnel, and walking out alongside Danielle Carter, before taking part in a half-time shot-stopping competition. Arsenal won 4-1 with goals from Ellen White, Jayne Ludlow and two from Rachel Yankey to complete the treble. She had a photograph taken with Gilly Flaherty, got Steph Houghton’s autograph, and was sad to meet captain Faye White on crutches.