The 10-year-old stepped out of the tunnel alongside captain Steph Houghton as the teams entered the pitch.
Laiba, a student at Pictor Primary in Timperley and die-hard Blue, has been taking part in CITC’s One City programme for the last two years.
In that time, she has grown in confidence and shown that nothing will hold her back from playing the sport she loves.
She was nominated by her teachers and CITC coaches for her commitment and positive attitude, and enjoyed a VIP Matchday Experience at Wemble.
Travel and accommodation was provided, while she also received goodie bags, plus a personalised kit and sat in extra special seats with her family.
The young Blue witnessed City claim their first FA Cup triumph, with a 4-1 win over Birmingham.
City in the Community’s ‘One City’ programme is one of the foundation’s award winning inclusion programmes, which see City in the Community provide over 1,000 hours of free disability football and over 3,000 hours of free inclusive football sessions across Manchester every year.
Paul Kelly, Disability Coordinator for City in the Community, said: “Laiba has attended City in the Community’s ‘One City’ primary school league for two years and since joining the programme, her confidence in both sport and school has grown exponentially.
“All of her coaches and teachers have commented on how confident she has become and her commitment to improving her game against all odds is inspiring.
“Laiba definitely deserves to have had such an incredible experience at Wembley with Manchester City Women.”
Congratulations, Laiba!
