The Edison Project Item #44 – Play Football At White Hart Lane

Being a Tottenham fan, this was a massive item for me to tick off. I have been going to watch Tottenham Hotspur play football at White Hart Lane since the early nineties. As a kid, I dreamt of making the big time, but this dream has long gone. However, thanks to Football Aid, I was able to at least experience a little of what it is like to play on the turf at White Hart Lane.

A few years back I came across Football Aid and their Living the Dream programme. Essentially it is a programme where individuals can bid to walk in the footsteps of their idols with money being raised for selected charities. At the time, I put in a bid to play at White Hart Lane and thought nothing of it until I was contacted to say I had won. A week later and I had to pull out thanks to a muscle tear.

Fast forward to 2013 and the plans for a stadium move are accelerating at a good pace. Concerned that I would miss the opportunity to play at White Hart Lane, and with my 100 items in mind, I returned to the website and successfully bid to play at White Hart Lane.

The experience took place on a hot summers Sunday in May with the players meeting at the main reception atop Bill Nicholson Way. An hour before kick-off and the teams were escorted into the changing rooms with replica kits hanging in position, and our names emblazoned across the back.

Following a quick warm up, the game kicked off with families and friends watching from the director’s box. At this point I would like to say I went on an amazing run and scored a screamer from 30-yards, however that would be a lie. My team actually lost 8-0. The nearest we came to a consolation was a half-volley from myself. The resultant save was later awarded moment of the match.

Despite the result, the experience is one I will never forget. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is also an experience I would encourage anyone who loves football to pursue. If you are lucky enough to get such an opportunity, then I would advise you to be aware that the teams are made up of mixed ability and it is the experience that everyone is there for.

Should it be of interest then check out the Football Aid website.