On Saturday 23rd May, Tigers Trust participant Alexis enjoyed the experience of a lifetime as she led the teams out at Wembley Stadium ahead of the Championship Play-Off Final, stepping onto the pitch in front of nearly 85,000 spectators.
Walking out alongside Hull City captain Lewie Coyle, Alexis took centre stage on one of the biggest occasions in English football. As the players lined up for the national anthem and the Wembley crowd created an electric atmosphere, it was a moment she will never forget.
The special day was made possible thanks to the generous support of KCOM, who helped reward Alexis for her commitment, enthusiasm and dedication throughout her time with Tigers Trust programmes.
Tigers Trust first met Alexis, a pupil at Maybury Primary School, in 2022 through the Premier League Primary Stars programme. At the time, Alexis was in the school's Foundation Stage and took part in several PE sessions delivered by Tigers Trust. As she progressed into Year 1 and Year 2, she continued engaging with the programme through weekly PE lessons.
Over the years, Alexis built a strong relationship with Tigers Trust coaches thanks to her outgoing personality, enthusiasm and willingness to give every activity her best effort.
Her positive attitude stood out immediately. Alexis consistently demonstrated the values promoted by Premier League Primary Stars, Tigers Trust and Maybury Primary School, earning numerous certificates and recognition for her teamwork, determination and commitment.
In Year 1, when Tigers Trust visited Maybury Primary School to film promotional content for the Premier League Primary Stars programme, Alexis was hand-selected to speak on camera about her experiences. Her passion for sport made her a natural choice, although she appeared slightly shy.
Now in Year 3, Alexis has embraced even more opportunities through sport and improved in confidence. In September 2025, she joined the Tigers Trust Girls' Football Club, held during Monday lunchtime, where participants developed their understanding of the game while learning key skills such as passing, dribbling and teamwork.
Despite telling coaches that she had never really played football before, Alexis immediately impressed with her enthusiasm, natural ability and eagerness to learn. It quickly became clear that she would benefit from playing football regularly outside of school.
With the support of Miss Kellington, Alexis' Year 3 teacher, and Mrs Smith, the school's administration officer, Tigers Trust spoke with Alexis' family and encouraged them to explore local grassroots football opportunities.
Soon after, Tigers Trust staff unexpectedly bumped into Alexis while leaving a school football event at Holderness Academy. Excitedly, she explained that she was on her way to her first training session with AFC Preston.
Since joining the club, Alexis has flourished. She now plays regularly for AFC Preston Under-8s and has also stepped up to represent the Under-9s, taking part in weekly training sessions and matches.
Her coach, Sue, said:
"Alexis started coming to training at AFC Preston Under-8s and Under-9s and settled straight in. She is full of energy and desire to play and has been a very welcome asset to the group.
"Due to low numbers in the U9 age group, Alexis was very keen to play for them on a 7-a-side pitch but has also played for her correct age group of Under-8s (5-a-side), showing how adaptable she is already."
Miss Kellington has also witnessed the impact Alexis' football journey has had within school:
"Alexis was spotted by Tigers Trust during their lunchtime football sessions. She was mentioned several times and praised for her natural football ability. Primary Education Manager Brad mentioned to me that she would benefit from joining a team and training regularly.
"Since starting, we have noticed in school how much she has grown in confidence in all sports. She often brings in trophies and medals won during matches and training. She is a role model for other young girls, and others have mentioned they would like to start playing football because of Alexis and her achievements."
As recognition for her remarkable journey, Alexis was selected as a mascot for the Championship Play-Off Final between Hull City and Middlesbrough.
Her Wembley experience began with a behind-the-scenes tour of England's national stadium, followed by the opportunity to take part in a football session on the famous pitch. However, the highlight of the day came just before kick-off when she emerged from the tunnel and led the teams out in front of a brilliant atmosphere.
For a young girl who first met Tigers Trust through school PE sessions, walking out at Wembley represented an incredible milestone. It was a fitting reward for someone who has embraced every opportunity presented to her, both in school and in football.
Alexis' story highlights the positive impact that programmes such as Premier League Primary Stars can have on young people. What began as participation in PE lessons has grown into a genuine passion for football, leading to regular grassroots involvement, increased confidence, and an unforgettable day at Wembley Stadium. Her experience was made even more special as she watched Hull City secure promotion back to the Premier League, thanks to a dramatic late winner from Oli McBurnie, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Find out more about the Premier League Primary Stars programme by clicking here.
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