With almost 150,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel where his vlogs and football challenges have been seen by millions of viewers, Wolves Academy player Tash Baller was delighted to have been involved in this season’s production alongside senior players including Adama Traore, Patrick Cutrone and Joao Moutinho.
“It was absolutely amazing to meet the players,” Tash said. “They were really nice, but Traore was the nicest. He’s one of my favourite players because of his skills and his tricks and he’s so fast.
“For the filming, I went down to the training ground and had a kickabout with the players. I went one-v-one with Traore and I megsed him! I also scored a good goal against Patrick Cutrone.”
In the advert, Tash is opening his presents with his family on Christmas Day, but after unwrapping a football he begins to dream about becoming a Wolves player.
The 10-year-old explained: “In my dream, I’m at Compton, at the first-team’s training ground, having a kickabout with some of my friends. While I’m playing, Steve Bull’s there and he scouts me, and I’m then signed by the club.
“After training with the first-team players, I then go to Molineux, get my kit on, and I’m about to walk out of the tunnel with the players. But then, I suddenly wake up from my dream and I’m back to being in front of the Christmas tree opening my presents.
“It was amazing to be involved in the advert and a great experience meeting all the players as well.”
Watch the 2019 Wolves Christmas Advert below.
Currently playing for the Wolves under-11 side, Tash hopes his Christmas advert dream can become a reality as he aims to progress up the ladder at the club’s Academy.
“I’m part of the Academy and it’s really nice,” Tash said. “I’ve been with the club about a year and a half now and I play centre midfield, a bit like Moutinho!
“With the team I’ve taken part in competitions all across Europe. One time we went on a trip to Germany for a tournament and I scored nine goals, finishing as top goalscorer. I got loads of assists as well, and it was a great experience to play in a different country.”
After the advert was launched on social media earlier this week, it had its first Molineux airing during half-time of Wednesday evening’s victory over West Ham, where Tash got the chance to walk onto the pitch and be introduced to the crowd as the advert was shown on the stadium screens.
Tash added: “It was great to go out on the pitch, a good atmosphere as well. It’s been really good to see the advert on social media and on the big screens at Molineux.
“It’s a bit surreal to see myself on there, but my family are really proud of me.”
Go behind the scenes of the Wolves Christmas ad below.
