He sketches, he scores!

Chrysalis MAT celebrates a winning design... Sudbury Primary School student hits the back of the net at Wembley Stadium

It’s many a young person’s dream to step onto the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium, but for 8-year-old Man Bhatt and his twin brother, Meet - both students at nearby Sudbury Primary School - that fantasy is about to become reality when, on 12th November 2026, they’ll both be Player Mascots at the England versus Croatia football match!

But how did this happen? Rewind several months to May when the Wembley Stadium Learning Zone, in partnership with Brent Council and the Wembley Stadium Foundation, launched a schools’ competition to design a mural for one of their feature walls. Pupils were encouraged to create artwork inspired by Wembley, football, the local community and what the stadium means to them.

Three Sudbury students were shortlisted and Man’s design was chosen as the overall winner. ‘I was so excited when I found out my work had won,’ says Man, now in Year 4. ‘I was shocked!’

His winning design was turned into a full-scale mural, which was unveiled on 1st October at the Wembley Stadium Learning Zone launch event. As well as meeting the Mayor of Brent, Man was presented with an award by former England and Arsenal Ladies player, Rachel Yankey OBE. His proud parents and brother Meet were there to witness his triumph and share in the success… The whole family were treated to a complimentary tour of the stadium beforehand and will join Man at the England vs Croatia game on 12th November.

‘I am really looking forward to the match and being a Player Mascot,’ says Man. ‘I’m a big fan of all the players, including Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford. If I could choose who I get to walk out with, it would be Jude Bellingham!’

His teachers and fellow students are certainly very proud of him too.

‘Everyone at Sudbury Primary School is thrilled by this fantastic achievement,’ says Headteacher, Kamini Mistry. ‘Man's winning design showcases not only his artistic talent, but also his creativity and determination. It has been wonderful to see his excitement and we are extremely proud that his artwork will form part of such an iconic venue. This is an experience he will remember for years to come.’