If you've ever watched the pregame ceremonies of a soccer match, you've probably noticed a sweet detail: the players always walk onto the field holding the hands of kids, who are dressed like an adorable little squad themselves. Or maybe you've seen one of the many videos that's gone viral, featuring a cute moment between a young fan and a soccer hero as they stand together on the field. This is a longstanding tradition that's rarely explained during international tournaments such as the World Cup or the Euros — so if you're curious about the history, you've come to the right place.
The children who walk out with the players are called "player escorts" or "mascot children," and they've been part of soccer games for well over 20 years now. One of the earliest photos of children walking as mascots was published in after a November 1996 match between Liverpool and Everton. Beginning around 2000, the practice as it is today began: one escort for each player, rather than just one or two per team.
Early on, the practice of having children escort the players doubled as a way to raise awareness for charitable causes. Ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, FIFA and UNICEF partnered on a program called Say Yes For Children, which aimed "to promote and protect the right of all children to healthy recreation and quality primary education," according to a . The statement continued: "Children are being given a prime role at each match, accompanying each player onto the pitch in a symbolic act.
