Wembley winner James enjoys a day to remember
For anyone who believes Saturday’s FA Cup Final completely belonged to Arsenal, we would like to introduce you to our #Wembleymoments competition winner, James Alexander.
James entered our competition by producing a fabulous video recreation of Evel Knievel’s daring attempt to jump 13 single-decker buses in 1975.
His entry wowed the Instagram community so much that they voted for him in their droves and earned him the chance to go behind the scenes at the FA Cup Final.
It was a fitting prize for a man who actually started his FA Cup journey way back in the extra-preliminary round and has seen him take in 15 FA Cup games since, all in an effort to raise money for the MS Society.
Nonetheless, James never thought his journey would culminate in the once in a lifetime experience he was treated to at the weekend.
“I have seen a lot in football but the 2015 FA Cup Final is one day I will never forget,” he told us.
“A massive thanks to Wembley for giving me the chance to cap off my nine month journey in such a spectacular way.”
James stood and watched as the teams and match officials arrived at the stadium and some of the 4,000 strong Wembley staff put the finishing touches to their preparations at the world famous venue.
Then, as the Arsenal and Aston Villa players got ready to survey the Wembley turf, James too got up close and personal with the playing surface as he was taken around the pitch.
That was before being whisked up to the Match of the Day studio where Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker were sat going through their paces.
James was, no doubt, desperate to know why neither of the duo had managed to put the gloss on their respective fabulous careers by turning out for his beloved Colchester United!
The good and the great of football were out in force and before the game kicked off James had met Paul Merson and Tony Adams, two men who were undoubtedly very happy with the 90 minutes that followed.
Arsenal celebrated their 4-0 FA Cup Final win wildly but, after they departed the scene, James took his place on the winner’s board.
With a moment to contemplate his achievement James thoughts were with the cause he had been inspired to support by the uncle he sadly lost.
“To have raised money for a cause as worthy as the MS Society is tremendous and will go a long way to helping those that need it,” he said.