Video game football fans meet real-life team

A Basque grassroots club inspired by playing as Reading in FIFA 07 met the real players and watched them beat Barnsley 2-1.

EuskoReading, a grassroots football club from Northern Spain, was founded after friends spent hours playing as Reading in FIFA 07 two years ago. Inspired by the Berkshire club's history, they formed their own amateur team wearing blue and white hoops with a similar crest to the Royals.

Last Saturday, the Spanish club achieved their long-held dream by travelling to watch Reading play live against Barnsley. They were given special attention by the team, meeting and talking with players, receiving a signed shirt, and presenting their EuskoReading flag. They watched Kyreece Lisbie score twice in the second half as Reading fought back from a goal down to win 2-1, moving the Royals into 5th place in the table.

Héctor del Corral said it was an unbelievable experience. The group hopes to return later in the season and jokingly promised Reading fans they would make it an annual tradition.