Big-hearted boy, 11, lost for words after surprise offer from Walsall FC for raising £1,400 for charity
“I’m really excited to have him at the game on Saturday”
A schoolboy who spent a year raising £1,400 for the life-saving Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) was treated to a visit by a Walsall FC player - and an invitation to play a part in the team’s next match.
Saddlers defender Mason Hancock dropped by The Streetly Academy on Wednesday (September 16) to congratulate 11-year-old Will Archer on his fundraising efforts and invite the young fan to join the team as mascot for the League Two match at the Bescot Stadium against Port Vale this Saturday.
Will was also presented with a new football kit from the club.
Will, who has autism, first became involved with MAAC helping to arrange a visit from the charity’s helicopter demonstration pod and an awareness day at his school.
He has sold MAAC merchandise, organised multiple fundraising activities for the charity with his friends and school - including a marathon relay and a charity day - and baked cakes to sell.
The MAAC is one of Walsall FC’s official charity partners for the 2026/27 season.
Walsall player Mason Hancock told the Express & Star: “It’s amazing, absolutely amazing. Turning up here today and hearing all about it outside the school gates, I was eager to meet the boy.
“I’m really excited to have him at the game on Saturday.”
Will was lost for words during the visit, saying: “I don’t know what to say really. Surprised, I’m shocked!”
But his dad Tom Archer was bursting with pride: “I’m really proud, that’s the only word I can say.
“To keep the enthusiasm over that 12-month period and then to put the planning into place, then the hard work of baking cakes - thanks mom!
“It took a lot and most kids would probably give up halfway through. He was resilient all the way to the end, and committed.”
Karen Baker from the charity was also there to congratulate Will.
She said: “I think it’s great. I always say we do the easy work, we go out and we treat patients but the charity relies on £20 million a year, and that money doesn’t come easily.
“To put 12 months’ work into raising £1,400, it’s a lot of effort and it’s a lot of commitment.
“We rely on a young lad like Will to keep us going.”
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