EIGHT young footballers who entered a tournament at the last moment have won a dream pass to the Champions League final, this weekend.

The lads from Ryan FC will be on the pitch at Wembley with the superstars of Man Utd and Barcelona, rippling the competition’s giant iconic banner in scenes beamed across the globe.

The local side sealed the once-in-a-lifetime chance by winning a Champions League-format tournament at Dagenham & Redbridge’s Victoria Road home, earlier this month.

Boss Richard Williams’ side got pulled out of a hat for their place and then lost their opening match, before hitting their stride and cruising to the final.

But there was late drama in the all-important decider, as Ryan mounted a stunning comeback by hitting the winner with just 30 seconds left of the final to go.

It will be an occasion on Saturday to remember if Barcelona versus Manchester Utd is as eventful.

“When they won it was fantastic,” Williams told Guardian Series Sport.

“It’s all sinking in now as they have to go to rehearsals on Friday.

“The tickets are like gold dust, I would have had no chance without this. We’ve won tournaments before but the thing is that this prize is unbelievable."

Ryan FC faced fancied Essex Supreme in the final, who grabbed a 1-0 lead.

But Reece Beckles-Richards hit back with two goals in the last two minutes to make himself a hero and win the cup, sponsored by car giant Ford.