Clubs at Christmas: Newcastle provide families with support

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.

Newcastle United

Since the start of the pandemic, the Newcastle United Foundation has delivered more than 12,500 food parcels to local communities from Berwick to County Durham.

Now the Foundation and club staff have been volunteering to ensure that 135 festive food hampers, along with 800 children's activity packs, reach those families and veterans facing extra financial pressures.

"We are proud to be delivering these luxury food hampers to families and veterans who may struggle to put any presents under the tree or a Christmas dinner on the table for their loved ones this year," said Steve Beharall, head of Newcastle United Foundation.

See: Newcastle help deprived families and veterans

Burnley

The Burnley Community Kitchen Foodbank has supported schools with food parcels to ensure that no child goes without food at Christmas.

This is the first year the Kitchen has sent out large family food bundles to 200 families from 18 local schools over the last two weeks, ensuring that around 800 people, including 480 children, have food during the festive period.

"Being able to support families through our local schools this Christmas has been a great achievement and something we were very proud of," said Sean Danaher, Burnley Community Kitchen and Foodbank Manager.

See: Community Kitchen makes a difference this Christmas

Brighton & Hove Albion

Past and present players including Bruno, Steve Sidwell and Solly March have been bringing some festive cheer to Brighton supporters with a surprise video call as part of the club's 'Christmas Wish' project.

Emily, who was nominated by her mum Diana Wadge, has recently been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, but has continued to work as a teacher, help the homeless and the charity Parkinson's UK.

"It's amazing what you do, your energy, your kindness with the homeless," said Bruno. "It is inspiring. That's what we need in this world, more people like you."

Working with Albion in the Community, AITC ambassador Victoria Williams and the rest of the Brighton women’s squad have also put together more than 20 hampers that will reach over 100 local people.

See: Hampers will spread some Christmas cheer

Chelsea

Every year, members of Chelsea Foundation's Activate Seniors programme meet up for a Christmas lunch at Stamford Bridge and have an opportunity to socialise with fellow participants.

Due to the restrictions this December, and to ensure that participants still feel supported and connected, Foundation coaches have delivered hampers filled with long-lasting foods, a host of club-themed goodies and Chelsea’s Winter Family and Senior Wellbeing resource packs.

"The package of goodies that arrived is really the icing on the cake," said Ian, an Activate Seniors participant.

"To have this package of store-cupboard staples on hand is a great idea, especially with the uncertain times ahead, although the shortbread biscuits may not live to see 2021!"

See: Chelsea Foundation delivers Christmas joy

Leicester City

A walk after Christmas dinner may be traditional, but some Leicester City in the Community staff have already completed a 5k Your Way Challenge to raise money for STEPS, a local partner and charity - dressed as Santa.

Two programmes run by the club's charitable arm, Premier League Primary Stars and Our City, Our Children, also came together as part of a project designed to offer practical and emotional support to the local community.

Over the festive season, Key Stage 2 students from four primary schools designed and crafted their own Christmas care packages to send to 15 residents of Park Lodge Projects, which offers invaluable accommodation for young homeless people between the ages of 16 and 25. The Community staff regularly deliver sessions there too.

See: Schoolchildren spread Christmas joy with homemade gifts

West Bromwich Albion

Tackling loneliness and isolation has been one of the top targets for the Albion Foundation this year, so players Callum Robinson and Kyle Bartley dropped by to say 'hello' to the group at the Hawthorns Hub to help play their part.

From talking about who had the biggest biceps to sharing what it has been like playing with no fans in stadiums, the duo brought some festive fun to proceedings.

Albion's players have also committed to a cash donation for the Hawthorns Christmas Meals programme, while signed special edition shirts worn against Sheffield United were auctioned for the initiative, which helps feed vulnerable members of the local community during the festive period. More than 70,000 food parcels have now been delivered by the Foundation since March.

See: No child should go hungry this Christmas

Also in this series

Part 1: Man City deliver festive joy
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