Leeds United duo surprise Libby with mascot experience | OneFootball

Leeds United duo Willy Gnonto and Ao Tanaka recently surprised young participant and supporter Libby with a special mascot experience for the West Ham United clash, which took place on Friday 24th October.

The first-team pair made the visit to Beeston Primary School back in August, dropping in on one of the Leeds United Foundation Healthy Holiday camps, to recognise and reward Libby for being such an inspiration through her hard work and incredible progress on the programme.

The forward and midfielder were both on hand to let Libby know that she would be leading the team out for the Premier League fixture a few months later, before getting involved in the interactive session being delivered by coaches from the club's official charity and giving out gifts to all of the participants in attendance.

10-year-old Libby lives with cerebral palsy, but she doesn’t let this impact what she is able to do and she doesn't let it stop her doing the things she loves.

Healthy Families Lead, Rachel Newman, said: “Libby is just amazing. She always has a smile on her face and is so positive, she lets nothing get in her way, and she will give everything a try. We thought it was really important to show her how much of an inspiration she really is, and we knew she would love this surprise because she absolutely loves Leeds United."

At the end of the Foundation session, Libby sat down with Tanaka and Gnonto to discuss their day along with looking ahead to West Ham, with the Japanese international saying: “I did a visit like this last year as well, and I've really enjoyed my time again, these things are always special."

“It’s been really nice to finally meet Libby,” Gnonto added. “I had heard so many things about her so it was just nice to see her and hopefully she’s going to like her mascot experience and hopefully we’re going to win the game.”

After a quick reunion with Willy and Ao and the chance to meet all of the other players ahead of kick-off on the day of the match, Libby was able to fulfil her dream of walking out with her favourite team, as she made her way out alongside captain Ethan Ampadu.