A WOKINGHAM schoolboy had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at a recent football match, even meeting Reading Football Club royalty.
Dexter Rosier, 10, headed into the capital with his father to watch his beloved Wrexham take on AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane, spending time with manager Phil Parkinson and goalkeeper Ben Foster after the final whistle.
The fundraising extraordinaire, who has raised completed various challenges in aid of Sport in Mind and the Royal Berkshire Hospital, is a diehard Red Dragons supporter.
Dexter explained: “I’m a really big fan of Wrexham. I like all of their players and watching the documentary [Welcome to Wrexham] boosted my support.
“Their fans were incredible throughout the whole game. There were lots of amazing saves and opportunities – I just wish there was VAR.”
The visitors, who have only just been promoted to League Two, took an early lead through Elliot Lee but had to settle for a draw after the Dons’ James Tilley tucked away a penalty in the 81st minute.
Thanks to a friend, he was able to access the players’ area, where he shared a few words with former Manchester United and England stopper Foster, who now runs a successful YouTube channel.
“My favourite part was talking to Ben Foster, we just spoke about general things,” Dexter explained. “He calls all his subscribers ‘little legends’ and that’s what he called me when we met.”
Despite his age, Dexter has already become known as somewhat of a philanthropist in his area. During lockdown, the youngster camped out in his garden to raise funds for the NHS and has since completed two marathons over the course of two weeks and a decathlon.
This summer, he’s back camping, and is now halfway through a 100-day challenge to help raise funds for First Days, a Wokingham charity which provides essential items for children.
In 2021, the same desire to help others saw Dexter appear on Good Morning Britain after an open letter he sent to England footballer Marcus Rashford went viral.
The Manchester United forward was the target of racial abuse following England’s defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, when he missed a penalty in the deciding shoot-out.
Dexter was swift to comfort Rashford, writing: “Last year, you inspired me to help people less fortunate [than me]. Then last night you inspired me again, to always be brave.”
For more information about Dexter’s challenge or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/dexter-rosier-1688540623008
