Clubs at Christmas: Man City deliver festive joy

As Christmas in the United Kingdom approaches, Premier League clubs have been supporting their local communities as they continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

We look at how the clubs are coming to the aid of the most vulnerable groups in society in their area.

Manchester City

Staff, players and coaches at Man City have donated funds, presents and hours of support to spread festive cheer to those in need across Manchester this Christmas.

They have funded, wrapped and delivered Christmas presents to every primary school child in East Manchester, as well as every child in the care of Manchester City Council.

City in the Community donated 500 three-course Christmas meals and sourced more than 45,000 everyday essential items including clothes and toiletries for local families. Unable to make their annual hospital visits, men's and women's first-team stars have made video calls to young patients who will be in hospital over the festive period.

"Thanks to the combined efforts of our coaches, staff, our players and our charity, City in the Community, we have been able to make a difference over this festive period and share some City magic," said club chief executive Ferran Soriano.

Arsenal

The Gunners have celebrated the delivery of the 500,000th meal for those most vulnerable in the local community since the start of the pandemic.

First-team manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal Women manager Joe Montemurro were on hand to welcome the landmark delivery at the club's training ground.

"In an incredibly difficult year there's been a huge community effort, from volunteers on the ground and local charities, to food deliveries and support from Arsenal and others, to bring vital food, medicine and emotional support to vulnerable people in Islington," Islington council leader Cllr Richard Watts told the club's official website.

See: Half a million meals delivered into north London

Aston Villa

Unable to hold their annual Festive Dash at Villa Park that raises funds for the Aston Villa Foundation, Villans are being asked to get active and charitable over the festive period in other ways.

Supporters can complete run, walk, jog or cycle 10 kilometres before 8 January to raise money that will go to the Foundation's health and wellbeing programmes, which are particularly vital during this difficult time.

See: The Festive Dash 2020!

Also in this series

Part 2: Ings the quizmaster surprises SaintsAbility youngsters
Part 3: Palace Kitchen feeds local families
Part 4: Clubs' virtual visits bring festive cheer
Part 5: West Ham supporting local community
Part 6: Heidi's special trip to Bramall Lane
Part 7: Newcastle provide families with support