Pupils’ special day at the Ricoh as they stepped out as mascots and flag bearers for Wasps game

A GROUP of Coventry schoolchildren are kickstarting their New Year on Ricoh Arena’s pitch in front of thousands of people.

A total of 11 pupils from Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and St John Fisher, Corpus Christi, St Gregory’s and Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Schools, which are part of the Romero Catholic Academy, were selected to be mascots and flag bearers for Wasps’ Gallagher Premiership clash with Northampton Saints on Sunday, January 6.

The group received a behind-the-scenes tour of the dressing rooms at Ricoh Arena where they will met Wasps’ firstteam players, before the mascots assembled in the tunnel and flag bearers took to the pitch.

Club mascot Sting flew in to Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School just before Christmas to issue the invitations to pupils on behalf of the sponsors of English rugby’s top-flight, Gallagher, who secured the mascot and flag bearer spaces.

The pupils had been nominated by their teachers for their high attendance and good behaviour.

The nomination came about after Gallagher, sponsors of the Gallagher Premiership and Wasps partner, provided the opportunity for the local school.

“This was a memorable occasion for the children, and was a well-deserved treat for them all,” said Rhye Parry, PE and wellbeing co-ordinator at the Romero Catholic Academy.

“It’s really important that we recognise and reward pupils that display exceptional behaviour, and we’re thrilled to be able to use our relationship with Wasps to do just that.”