Why do footballers enter field with children?

Since when : Children have appeared with football players at least since the 1990s either as one mascot for each team or one for every player. The UEFA Euro 2000 was one of the first major events where player escorts appeared with every footballer.

Who are these kids : In club games children are usually members of youth teams or contest winners. Since 2002, World Cup or European Championship escorts are selected in a competition hosted by McDonald's, sponsor of the event

But why : There are various reasons why players walk in with kids. These include promoting children rights campaigns, bringing the element of innocence to the game, fulfilling children dreams or making profit of it. Another reason is to protect the players. Fans are less likely to throw things at the players if there are children right next to them.

Just with kids then, right : On some occasions there can be special escorts.

Ajax Amsterdam players walked out with their mothers on Mother's Day