The roar echoing through Lincoln isn't just coming from the stands at the LNER Stadium; it's in the voices of the city's youngest fans, newly inspired by their club's historic achievement. Lincoln City's dramatic 2-1 victory over Reading, sealed by a 96th-minute winner on Easter Monday, has secured a long-awaited return to the Championship for the first time since 1961, and the impact is being felt far beyond the pitch.

For children at the Lincoln City Foundation's holiday club, the promotion is more than a table-topping statistic—it's a powerful lesson in perseverance and local pride. "When I grow up, I'm going to be on that team and I'm going to do the exact same," declared nine-year-old Finley, capturing the dream now burning brighter for many.

The foundation, a charity based at the stadium, provides a crucial link between the club and the community, and Brittany Bell from the organization highlighted the team's role as hometown heroes. "They are good role models," she said, "and they give the children somebody to look up to close to home."

That inspiration was palpable the day after the victory, with young fans on the foundation's pitches buzzing with excitement. Eleven-year-old Alfie recounted the emotional rollercoaster of watching the match, from despair when Reading equalized to pure elation at Jack Moylan's late winner. "I was bouncing off the walls going ecstatic," he said, crediting the team's success to their unwavering positive attitude and their connection with supporters, like giving shirts to young fans.

For Alfie and his peers, the Imps' journey is shaping their own ambitions. "Anything to do with football because I love it," Alfie stated, aspiring to be a player, referee, or work in the sport. "They're so nice, so good. I want to be like that."

This sentiment of admiration was echoed by 11-year-old Louis, a season ticket holder since age three, who pinpointed the squad's unbreakable unity. "They never get down on each other," he observed. "They're always positive and always trying to bump each other up." It's a testament to the culture being built—one that wins games and wins over the next generation.

As the club prepares for the challenge of the Championship, the belief isn't confined to the dressing room. With the fierce backing of their young supporters, like Finley who boldly predicted the team will "smash" the second tier, Lincoln City carries not just a promotion, but the hopes and dreams of its future fans and players onto the bigger stage.