How clubs have supported communities at Christmas: Pt 1

Over this festive season, Premier League clubs and players have been spreading Christmas cheer with a series of hospital visits, events and campaigns.

This work is a part of the commitment and engagement Premier League clubs have with their local communities throughout the year.

Read the second part of our round-up here.

AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth's first-team players met patients and staff at Poole Hospital, chatting with the children, posing for photos and delivering gifts and signed club merchandise.

"Christmas can be a challenging time for families in the hospital, so we just want to bring some joy and let them know that we’re thinking of them," said Cherries club captain Adam Smith.

"The kids were so brave and seeing their faces light up when we arrived made it all the more special."

Crystal Palace

There was a special surprise for the Palace for Life Foundation's Down's Syndrome football team, when Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze dropped in on filming for the club's Christmas retail offering.

DS Eagles players Hugh, Louis, James, Thomas and Ruari thought they were simply modelling some official Crystal Palace clothing but Guehi and Eze were waiting in the wings to give them memories to last a lifetime.

Liverpool

As well as making their annual visit to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, the Liverpool players gave one child a special moment this month.

Isaac was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, meaning he develops at a slower rate than other children his age. His obsession with the Reds has captivated social media, where he has been singing Kop classics on his tiny toy guitar.

He got a surprise this month when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk visited him at his primary school as part of the club's commitment to marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

But it got even better for the six-year-old when he went on a visit to the club's training ground and then got to be a mascot, walking out with the teams for the match against Manchester City at Anfield.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was joined by first-team players Harry Toffolo, Ola Aina, and Eric da Silva Moreira as the club hosted a special Christmas party for more than 100 children.

The young people were invited from various organisations such as Warriors United, a club for children and young adults with learning disabilities, When You Wish Upon A Star, and Nottingham Children's Hospital Charity, as well as three primary schools who are involved with Nottingham Forest Community Trust projects and initiatives.

The party was part of the club's 'Home For Christmas' campaign, which included a foodbank collection initiative, a visit to the Children's Hospital at QMC, serving hot meals to the local community at the Himmah Hub, and an open house dedicated to tackling social isolation and loneliness.

Tottenham Hotspur

Youth groups across Haringey received special visits from first-team players as part of Tottenham Hotspur's support for the Local Buyers Club's Winter Toy Appeal, which helps local young people and families experiencing hardship.

James Maddison and Brandon Austin visited Project 2020, a hub in Northumberland Park that offers engagement activities for young people. Brennan Johnson and Alfie Whiteman joined the annual Christmas Party at Somerford Grove Adventure Playground, an area built and designed by local children that provides a safe space for young people to enjoy a range of activities.

Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall visited Broadwater Farm Children's Centre for an arts and crafts session and table-tennis competition while Archie Gray and Djed Spence visited Bruce Grove Youth Centre.

"With the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many families across Haringey, this kind act of generosity will mean so much to our young people," said Councillor Ajda Ovat, Haringey Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and ward councillor for Northumberland Park.