DOMINIC Brooke had a once in a lifetime Christmas present – he got to walk out with Huddersfield Town as the club’s mascot.
And the nine-year-old came a long way for the experience – all the way from the family home in Perth, Australia.
Dominic’s dad and life-long Town fan Craig Brooke said he was thrilled Town were able to organise the experience at Town’s game against Blackpool.
Dominic is visiting his uncle Rolfe in Linthwaite with dad Craig, estate agent mum Sharon, and sister Harriet, 13.
Craig, who grew up in Huddersfield and is a former member of the Royal Air Force, moved out to Perth almost four years ago to become a driving instructor.
He said: “I’ve always been a big Town fan and Dominic has picked it up from me.
“He might have chosen to follow Manchester United – not that I’d have let him – or started following an Australian team, but he’s stayed with Town like I have.
“So it’s brilliant the club has allowed him to be their mascot. They were just great with us and couldn’t have done more for Dominic and the whole family.
“We got to go in the changing rooms and meet the players and he loved the experience.”
Despite living almost 8,000 miles away and having an eight-hour time difference, Craig and Dominic still follow Town all they can.
Craig said: “Now they’re in the Championship they’re getting more air time so we see the goals and highlights on the TV league show that’s on Tuesday nights in Australia.”
They also got up at 4am to watch the play-off final on TV.
“Dominic has said he can’t wait to tell everyone about being the club’s mascot – he’s not stopped talking about it since,” Craig added.
The family are hoping to cram a few matches in before they return to Australia on January 7, including Town’s home game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and possibly the FA Cup at Charlton – just before they fly back home.
