Saddlers players Stuart Sinclair and James Clarke paid a surprise visit to this Saturday’s Community Mascot on Thursday afternoon.
Nine-year-old Leo Garratt from Whetstone Field Primary School was stunned when his favourite player Sinclair, along with skipper Clarke, interrupted a school assembly to meet the young Walsall fan.
Leo was also a flag bearer with the school for the Saddlers’ win over Scunthorpe United last month, and will now get to walk out with the players as a mascot as we face Salford this weekend.
The players also took part in a question and answer session with pupils, posed for plenty of photos, and met Leo’s parents who were in attendance.
Sinclair said: “Making sure that we are in the community and doing everything we can is important. It’s not just a positive for the community, it’s a positive for us as well as we get to see people and interact with the fans.
“It’s vital for us as players that we do as much as we can outside of just the 90 minutes.”
Leo’s mother, Carly Garratt, added: “Leo was absolutely overwhelmed. He was obviously very, very surprised and couldn’t believe what had happened.
“I don’t think he will ever forget it and it will make Saturday even more exciting. He couldn’t believe his luck that the players were at his school!
“Leo has supported Walsall all his life along with his family. He’s just over the moon!”
Walsall FC Community Programme, supported by the charity Free Kicks Foundation, have selected a community mascot for every Walsall home league game this season.