By Andrew Clarke

Last updated 16:03, Wednesday, 06 August 2008

TWELVE youngsters from Cleator Moor Celtic will tread the same hallowed turf as David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard when they take to the pitch at Wembley Stadium next week.

The club’s under-9s side won a competition for this chance of a lifetime and will test themselves against teams from around the country at the home of English football on Monday – the day after Manchester United and Portsmouth play in the Community Shield.

“It’s undoubtedly a one-off experience of a lifetime,” said coach Graeme Close.

“To think, the day before we play, Neville, Ferdinand, Hargreaves, Rooney, Crouch and Defoe – all England internationals – will have played on the same pitch puts a picture on what an opportunity this under-9s team have been given.

“We will have memories that will last a lifetime.”

Celtic were chosen through a prize draw at this year’s Charter Standard Festival, organised by Cumberland FA and McDonalds.

The players, with their families, travel on Saturday and have free time on Sunday – during which time they have the chance to attend the Community Shield – before Monday’s games.

They play three games in a mini-festival at a local venue in London before going to play a fourth game at Wembley.

After the game, all the players will make the famous walk up to the Royal Box to receive a commemorative medal.

In addition to the games, there will be coaching areas for the players to learn new skills, including a session led by Eric Harrison, the former Manchester United youth team coach who oversaw the development of the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Paul Scholes.

“I would like to thank a host of people who have made donations to help us with funding; our main sponsor Morsons International, and other organisations who have helped with the cost of accommodation and transport including Mitie Services Ltd, Forth Engineering, Cleator Moor Neighbourhood Forum, West Cumbria Youth Football League, Nisa, B & C Atkinsons Ltd and Travis Perkins.

“The support received by these organisations, the Cumberland FA and everyone connected with the club has been fantastic.”

The 12 lucky players, pictured below, are Lewis Close, Mark Miller, Curtis Teare, Kieran Riley, Aaron Smith, Damon Riley, Jack Fee, Mitchell Wood, Cameron Rowe, Callum Graffin, Luke Dunn and Owen Charlton.