Underprivileged kids get Asian Cup mascot slots

Dubai: Underprivileged children will get the opportunity to escort Asia’s top footballers onto the pitch as mascots at next year’s Asian Cup in the UAE thanks to a tie-up between Continental tyres and Emirates Red Crescent.

A total of 88 boys and girls from across the UAE will be split across four matches, including 22 in the final at the January 5 to February 1 tournament.

A shortlist of 200 names will be compiled by the Emirates Red Crescent from a list of families in the UAE who are registered with them for support.

The shortlist will be narrowed down to 88 aged between six and nine at a knockout event hosted by UAE player Abdullah Al Junaibi next month.