Newcastle United fan Ollie Embleton will be cheering on his team at Wembley this weekend after he received a surprise visit from former England midfielder, Rob Lee.
Ollie, a Year 9 student at Sharnbrook Academy, was shocked to turn up to his school library to be met by Rob Lee, who played more than 300 times for The Magpies.
Rob made a special trip on behalf of the English Football League (EFL) to surprise Ollie and his family with tickets to the Carabao Cup Final this Sunday, 26th February 2023.
Ollie, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy meaning he needs the use of a wheelchair, was handed to watch his beloved Newcastle United take on Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
Ollie said: “I can’t believe it. I’ve never been to Wembley before and this is the first final Newcastle United have been in in my lifetime. My favourite player is Bruno Guimarães and I hope he has a great game but it will be tough against Manchester United who are in good form.”
Joining Ollie at the big match will be his parents and twin brother Jack, who was in on the surprise and joined Ollie in meeting Rob Lee along with classmates George and Elijah.
Dad Mark, a lifelong Newcastle United fan and former Sharnbrook Academy student, said: “We’ve known for a little while that this was going to happen but we’ve had to try really hard to keep it a surprise. We are so thankful to the EFL and Rob Lee for making this happen. We can’t wait to get to Wembley on Sunday and soak up the experience.”
The last time Newcastle United reached a Wembley final was in May 1999. This game was also against Manchester United, with The Red Devils running out 2-0 winners.
Clare Raku, Principal of Sharnbrook Academy, which is part of Meridian Trust, said: “Ollie is a lovely student and we are so happy that one of his dreams to watch Newcastle United at Wembley will come true.
“It was an exciting morning when Rob visited. We all look forward to hearing about Ollie and Jack’s Wembley visit next week.”
Ollie is a huge football fan and plays wheelchair football for Northampton.
For more information about Sharnbrook Academy, please visit: https://sharnbrook.academy/