Chelsea mascot’s cup runneth over
IT TOOK six years on a waiting list for Jacob Clement to get the call to be a Chelsea football mascot. But given that it was for the FA Cup Final against Manchester United, the wait was well worthwhile for the fifth generation Blues fan in his family.
The 11-year-old from Borehamwood walked onto the Wembley pitch alongside Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill, watched from the stands by parents Keren and Mitchell, sister Izzy and grandparents Natalie and David.
His other grandparents, Linda and Howard Levenson, were in Israel but got helpful staff at a restaurant bar to locate the TV coverage.
Jacob was introduced to the rest of the Chelsea team and Football Association grandees. He also met Blues legend Frank Lampard and former Arsenal star Ray Parlour.
“I felt nervous but also excited,” he said.
To complete “the best day of my life”, Jacob then joined his family to watch Eden Hazard, his favourite player, earn and convert the penalty which decided the game.
Mrs Clement said she was “proud and emotional” for her son and “had butterflies for him. He was so excited. He realised it was a massive match but I don’t think he realised just how massive.
“It was a pleasure to watch his dream come true.”
Jacob, his father and grandfather are regulars at Stamford Bridge.
He plays football for Brady Maccabi Reds and the family belong to Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue.