Young Alvechurch fan to walk out as FA Cup Final mascot at Wembley after leukaemia battle

A young football fan from Birmingham will walk out onto the hallowed Wembley Stadium turf as an FA Cup mascot in June.

Koby Thomas is a huge fan of non-league club Alvechurch FC, found in the village just 11 miles south of Birmingham.

It's been a tricky year for the 10-year-old who was diagnosed with leukaemia last summer. A budding footballer himself, Koby is making strong progress and still continuing his passionate support of the club as well as attending a handful of training sessions with the team.

It's been another season to remember for the Southern League Premier Division Central club, who reached the FA Cup second round for the first time in decades by beating League One side Cheltenham Town in a shock cup coup - although the side were then knocked out by Forest Green in the next fixture.

Koby was chosen as an FA Cup mascot by sponsors Emirates as a nod to the bravery he's shown in his health battles this year and he'll walk out at Wembley alongside his best friend Owen Jordan.

The pair regularly attend Alvechurch matches together and have grown close by rising up the club's youth teams since the age of six.

Koby's mum, Rachel Thomas said: “Being a mascot at the Emirates FA Cup Final is an incredible opportunity and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget.

"We are extremely grateful to the club and Emirates for giving Koby the chance to experience something that most children can only dream about.

"For us, it’s the perfect end to an extremely difficult 12 months.’’

Koby and Owen told the news when at the Alvechurch FC ground and he was greeted by the club's Sporting Director Mark Fogarty and Youth Manager Bryan Allcott, as well as club captain and Koby’s favourite player, Ashley Carter.

Both youngsters also got the chance to hold the official FA Cup trophy on the day.

The two Alvechurch fans will be joined by inspiring children from non-league clubs across the country as mascots as FA Cup Final mascots on June 3.