A SPECIAL day awaits a seven-year-old Darwen boy after he was chosen to become a mascot at his favourite club – Blackburn Rovers.

The occasion, organised by the Freekicks Foundation, which celebrates children from families who have overcome challenges, will see Jack Wood lead the team out at Ewood Park.

Jack’s mum, Sam, 26, said he could not wait for Saturday, when the team take on Peterborough, and he will meet his hero Jordan Rhodes.

She said: “It’s very exciting. He keeps asking me if it’s the day yet. He’s obsessed with Jordan Rhodes. Every time he plays, he thinks he’s Jordon Rhodes!”

Jack has achieved ‘player of the month’ numerous times for banging in goals at his club Junior Gardeners Whites Under-7s and, according to Sam, is mad about the beautiful game.

He was nominated for the honour by Child Action North West. Sam, who recently went back to work full-time as a client service administrator, gave birth to Jack when she was only 19. She said she was living with her parents, and Child Action North West helped her move out, and get on her feet.

Sam said: “The charity helped when we were struggling. So when they called up asking if they could nominate Jack, of course I said ‘yes’.”

Child Action Northwest’s Familywise co-ordinator Rob Dickinson said: “Jack is a smashing lad.”

“He is excelling at school and has been recently named ‘star of the week’. It is very difficult to put into words just what this would mean to this family, and Jack in particular.

“His mum takes him to games whenever she can afford, although this is not often,” he added.

Not only will Jack get to keep his replica kit, he will also receive four tickets for his family to watch the match, four passes to the Strikers Lounge pre-match hospitality, an autographed programme, and souvenir photos of the day. Jack will also feature in the match-day programme.

Paul Agnew, operations manager at Blackburn Rovers, said: “We pride ourselves on being a community club, very much in touch with our area. It is very pleasing for us to give Jack what we hope will be a great day, and here’s hoping we can round it off with a win.”