system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: In soccer/football why do the players when entering the pitch hold the hands of little boys?

It seems weird to me, but meh. Let me know.
gpt
The kids are usually mascots. Their parents (or indeed themselves) are season ticket holders and get the chance to walk out with their favourite team+players. They get a stadium tour and stuff too (free signed jerseys, etc). 

Hope this answered your question :)