Cup dream comes true for Finley (From Halesowen News)

Cup dream comes true for Finley

5:07pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News

A YOUNG football fan’s dreams came true when he became the first person in the country to win a sleepover at his Halesowen home with the iconic FA Cup.

Aston Villa fan, Tenterfields Primary School pupil Finley Slimm, aged seven, won the chance to spend the night with the world famous silverware, which is on a nationwide tour.

Finley's dad Steven Slimm said: "What a fantastic surprise. Heading down to the FA Cup Trophy Tour and having our picture with the FA Cup was unbelievable, but having it in our own home for the night was truly magical, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we'll always remember."

Security for the priceless pot was as tight as ever, with cup minders on guard overnight outside Finley’s home in Sunbury Road.

The aim of the prize draw competition, open to under 12s, is to give four lucky youngsters the chance to win a sleepover as part of the FA’s bid to introduce a new generation to the magic of the world’s oldest domestic football competition.

Under-12 year-olds are being given the chance to enter a prize draw as part of The FA Cup Trophy Tour with three more opportunities to win a sleepover with The FA Cup trophy before the Fourth Round Proper comes to a close.