A FOOTBALL mad youngster walked out at Wembley with the man who would eventually win his team the cup.

James Pavitt, nine, won the chance to be a mascot at the FA Cup final after dad Simon successfully entered him into a competition two weeks before the annual showpiece.

In the tunnel before the match, Welsh midfield maestro Aaron Ramsey picked James to walk onto the hallowed turf with him in front of more than 80,000 fans in the stadium and millions watching at home where they were introduced to Prince William.

Ramsey went onto score the winning goal in the 2-1 victory as Arsenal overcame league champions Chelsea in a thrilling final.

James’ mum Vicky said the whole family were delighted the Brinkley Grove pupil got the chance to get onto the pitch.

She said: “Simon entered the competition two weeks before and we thought it would be a while before we heard but there was a message back almost straight away to say he had won.

“It all went so quickly.

“There was only two tickets - one for James and one for someone else - and we are a family of Arsenal fans.

“After a bit of a discussion we decided Simon could go with him and they got on a coach with all the other winners on Saturday.

“They got looked after by chaperones and got a look around the tunnel area and did a rehearsal beforehand.

“There was also a bit of a chat about how they should behave and I was very proud of how mature he was.

“He got to see all the players in the tunnel and waved at Prince William who waved back.”

When it came to choosing which mascot went out with which player, James was spoiled for choice between Ramsey and Spanish defender Nacho Monreal.

Mrs Pavitt, who lives in Highwoods, said: “James was asking who he should be standing with and Monreal tried to get him but then Ramsey said ‘I’ll have him.’

“James is very vocal and will talk to anyone so they had a bit of a chat.

“They walked out together and it was so good he was able to get the winning goal.

“There was only 28 children who got the chance to do it and they get to keep the special kit they were wearing and got tickets to see the game live.

“He had an absolutely amazing day.

“I was sitting at home wanting them to win even more because of James and Simon and eventually it happened.

“The fact Ramsey scored the goal absolutely topped it off.

“They had a lovely time and we are all absolutely made up.”

Mrs Pavitt’s daughter Ruby has also been a mascot at a women’s FA Cup final for Arsenal Ladies.

She said: “Clearly it runs in the family.

“We are all massive football fans and James was practically born into an Arsenal kit.”