Football-mad Hartlepool boy's dream visit to AC Milan

Owen Stephenson, right, and sister Abbiegayle outside Milans San Siro stadium before the game with Lazio.

Owen Stephenson, 10, was one of a select few youngsters chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Italian giants AC Milan.

The Clavering Primary School pupil attended a Milan soccer camp in Hebburn, South Tyneside, last summer.

Owen Stephenson at the AC Milan training ground.

Following it, he was one of just three out of 104 children chosen to visit the seven-time European champions.

While in Italy on the four-day trip, Owen played in a tournament at the club’s famous Milanello training ground and was trained by some of Milan’s top coaches.

The visit was capped off when Owen and the other children invited – who were from all over the world – were at the club’s San Siro stadium to watch Milan draw 1-1 with Lazio.

Owen was joined by mum Emilie, dad Kevin, sister Abbiegayle, 16, and grandparents Kevin and Pamela.

Emilie said: “It was absolutely fantastic.

“Owen has sometimes had a bit of a lack of confidence, and used to think he was rubbish at football.

“This whole thing – being selected and then going out there – has given him a massive confidence boost.

“It was a dream come true for him, because he can’t get enough of football.

“The coaches out there were brilliant, and very passionate about the children.

“It was just a great experience for Owen.”

Owen was also chosen from 500 children to do a reading at the opening ceremony of the event. The experience has further bolstered his love of the sport.

Emilie added: “If Owen doesn’t have a football at his feet, he’ll be kicking something else, whether it’s a sock or a softball, which he kicks around in the house.

“He loved every minute of it in Milan, especially the tournament, when he was playing alongside children from all over the world, including Peru, Germany and Sweden.

“We also went to the AC Milan museum, club shop and took part in lots of activities. It was fantastic.”