Leeds captain Liam Cooper uses video call to make teenage fan's dreams come true

Credit: PA Images

Leeds United were able to give a teenage supporter the opportunity of a lifetime when they played against Arsenal on Sunday.

Thirteen-year-old Elliot Metcalfe is suffering from Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissues, and via the Make A Wish Foundation, he had expressed his desire to be a mascot for the Whites.

Under normal circumstances he would have been able to lead captain Liam Cooper and the rest of the players out at Elland Road, but Covid protocols mean mascots have been sidelined until fans can return.

However, Leeds and Cooper made sure Elliot and his sister Verity were able to have a different mascot experience, connecting with the pair on a tablet and making them part of the build-up ahead of the 1-1 draw.

Cooper introduced the pair to his team-mates in the tunnel, walked them out on the field and kept them 'live' as the Premier League anthem played.

The pair wished Cooper "good luck" before kicked-off and he later tweeted:

"Hope you all enjoyed the game Elliot. You stay strong young man.

"We are all with you and it was our pleasure to have you walk on the pitch

with us. Sending all the love and strength in the world."

A statement from Leeds United added:

"On behalf of everyone at the club, we hope Elliot enjoyed his experience as a Leeds United mascot, even under the unusual circumstances, and wish him all of the luck with his treatment."