Volkswagen’s Official Match Ball Carriers take centre-stage at UEFA EURO 2020™
UEFA EURO 2020™ has kicked off the summer in style. Volkswagen is thrilled to be both the Official Mobility Partner and sponsor of the Official Match Ball Carriers, the young boys and girls who will carrying the match ball out onto the pitch before England’s home games at Wembley and Scotland’s home games at Hamden Park.
Alongside our brilliant boys and girls, we have one other very special ball carrier who’s been causing a bit of a stir. Our Volkswagen remote controlled all-electric model ID.4, nicknamed “Tiny Football Car” brought the match ball to the centre-circle shortly before the kick-off of the opening game between Italy and Turkey.
Even a rousing rendition of Nessun Dorma by opera legend Andrea Bocelli at the opening ceremony couldn’t steal the limelight from the Tiny Electric Car as it zoomed onto the pitch at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Shortly after it delivered the match ball to Dutch referee Danny Makkelie, social media was buzzing with mentions, memes and hot takes. You can follow the further adventures of our smallest ball carrier on Twitter @tinyfootballcar, right up to its next scheduled appearance in the final on 11 July.
Meanwhile, we’ll be introducing you to each of our home international Official Match Ball Carriers right here before every game, and you can also follow their once-in-a-lifetime experience on our social channels.
Meet Chloe, carrying the ball for England v Croatia
Twelve-year-old Chloe was chosen to carry the ball out for England’s opening fixture against Croatia at Wembley. Like her dad, she’s a big Manchester City fan but it’s not all plain sailing at home, because her mum is an avid Manchester United supporter who claims dad used some underhand tactics to win his daughters over to City. Chloe’s no stranger to the big stage, having been a regular visitor to the Etihad Stadium, Man City’s home ground. She’s also been to Wembley twice but this will be her first time out on the hallowed turf. The player she most wants to meet is England and City rising star, Phil Foden.
Meet James, carrying the ball for England v Scotland
Eleven-year-old James is our ball carrier for the biggest game of the group stage and the latest chapter in football’s oldest rivalry - England and Scotland at Wembley. James is a pretty handy footballer himself, racking up 15 goals for his beloved club Hitchin Town last season. This promising young footballer has never been to a game at Wembley before, so getting on the pitch will make it a debut to remember. And just to add a little spice, James is supporting England but his granddad is Scottish and a dedicated member of the Tartan Army. Regardless of the result, it’s certain to be a day that the whole family remembers for a long time to come.