A DREAM to play on the hallowed turf of the world’s biggest stadium has been shattered for young Runcorn footballers.

Runcorn Linnets under 12s were preparing to follow in the footsteps of legends Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff.

The excited 11 year old boys flew to Spain on June 16 to compete in the Europa Cup tournament at the Barcelona FC Camp Nou Stadium.

Hours before kick-off they received devastating news that the ground had been double booked for a rugby match.

Some parents had paid up to £700 to fund the trip of a lifetime.

Single mums had made huge sacrifices to ensure their children didn’t miss out.

Team manager Robbie Gibbons, 42, said: “Everyone was heartbroken.

“I received an e-mail at 4am and had to go down to breakfast and break the news.

“Kids were crying their eyes out and parents were absolutely devastated.

“The dream was to play on the hallowed turf of Nou Camp.

“The boys weren’t even allowed on the pitch.”

Instead of competing in the 100,000 capacity stand, players had to settle for a small pitch nearby.

The tournament was switched the 15,276 seater Mini Estadi.

“It was terrible,” said Mr Gibbons, of Harrop Road. “We were herded like cattle.”

And as they waited for more than two hours just to get a team picture outside the famous stadium, the goalkeeper slipped and had to be taken to hospital to have four stitches in his head.

“Whatever could go wrong went wrong,” added Mr Gibbons. “The goalkeeper missed the photograph and our hotel wouldn’t let children in the pool.

“However, the boys were second to none.

“They won every game and were only beaten on penalties in the semi-final.

“They are outstanding and can hold their heads up high.”

Lawyers representing tournament organisers are negotiating a compensation settlement with FC Barcelona.

“Their dream was shattered. The only way to rectify this is to fly everyone out to play at Nou Camp.”

The team is grateful to all the businesses who generously donated cash, a new kit and track suit tops for the trip.