Rochdale boy becomes a Metrolink flag bearer at champion’s league match

Hussain Rizvi (left) Metrolink flag bearer at Champion’s League match

Fifteen-year-old Hussain Rizvi from Rochdale was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to become a Metrolink flag bearer at last Wednesday’s Champion’s League match, when Manchester United beat Olympiacos at Old Trafford.

The youngster, who attends Kingsway Park High, was selected from hundreds of young people to take part in the opening of the game, as part of Metrolink’s partnership with the Manchester County FA (MFA).

Hussain was given the opportunity to carry the flag on to the pitch before the match alongside his Manchester United football heroes.

An avid fan, Hussain said: “I can't believe I won, I’ve always dreamed of being a flag bearer and walking on to the pitch. I’m a massive United fan and it meant the world to me seeing my heroes up close. I go to every home game with my brother and they really are the best team – thank you Metrolink.”

His mother Yasmin added: “My proudest moment was seeing Hussain walking out onto the pitch from the tunnel with the players – you could see the excitement on his face.

“My son is so passionate about football, he plays for two football clubs and has two matches every weekend so the opportunity to be a flag bearer at a Champions League match was a dream come true – Hussain hasn’t stopped telling his friends about the whole evening since.”

Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said: “We are thrilled Hussain enjoyed his flag bearer appearance on Wednesday. As a partner to the MFA Metrolink gets to do a lot of work with under 16 football teams, and it’s great to make football dreams come true as part of this.”

Metrolink is the official travel partner of the MFA, and with many tram stops within a short walk away of the stadium, it is quick and easy for Manchester United supporters to travel to and from matches.