THE dreams of nine-year-old Cherries fan Louis Arnold and his 12-year-old brother Finn from Poole came true when they lifted the FA Cup in front of their own supporters during the 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Watford on Saturday.

AFC Bournemouth fanatics Louis (who plays for Broadstone Under-10s) and Finn (Broadstone Under-13 Colts) won the chance to lift the trophy at their beloved club after their parents entered them into The FA Cup Dreams competition on the official FA Cup Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheFACup).

It is a new FA initiative aiming to introduce a new generation to the magic of the world’s oldest domestic football competition.

Louis and Finn’s thrilled father and lifelong Bournemouth fan Tony said: “As huge AFC Bournemouth fans, the boys were so excited when they found out they’d won the chance to lift The FA Cup in front of the fans.

“It’s not often you get to see The FA Cup up close but for Louis and Finn to be out there on the pitch parading it was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The FA Cup Dreams initiative was launched by FA Cup winner and England hero Michael Owen this season with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as winning a sleepover with The FA Cup, lifting the trophy in front of your own fans and meeting your footballing heroes available for under-12s from the third round to the final.