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How clubs have supported communities at Christmas: Pt 2

25 Dec 2024
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The second part of our look at how Premier League players and staff have been spreading festive cheer this month

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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 first part of our round-up here.

Aston Villa

 

Aston Villa men's and women's teams signed shirts and hats, posed for photos and met patients and their families on their visits to Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice.

As in previous years, the playing staff all contributed to buying presents for the children and delivered them on the hospital wards and at the hospice.

Chelsea

It was a whole club effort at Chelsea as the men's and women's first teams, and the Under-21s, made their annual trips to deliver presents to hospitals in south-west London.

The first-team squads dropped in at Kingston Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital while club legend John Terry joined the Under-21s at Epsom Hospital to meet patients, families and NHS staff.

"It was an eye-opening experience," said Under-21 striker Donnell McNeilly.

"Meeting new people and giving back to those who are unable to spend the holiday at home was truly rewarding. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring together individuals who might not normally cross paths."

Fulham

Alex Iwobi turned from in-form winger to shopkeeper recently as he opened up a temporary shop, called the Alexpress, in east London to help residents who are struggling to pay for their Christmas dinner. 

"Just seeing how my parents are, I've always seen them give back," the Fulham star said.

"With them as role models, it's made me feel like when I get in a position where I am today, or even less of a position, I would always try to do my best to give back and help out."

Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town staff and first-team stars visited East Anglia's Children's Hospices, St Elizabeth Hospice, and the Children's Ward at Ipswich Hospital to distribute gifts donated by players as well as finding out more about the work that the units deliver.

"We are in a privileged position to represent the Club within the community and we know how much these visits mean to everyone," said manager Kieran McKenna.

"It's a nice boost for us to be able to deliver some presents and hopefully spread some cheer."

Newcastle United

Newcastle United's men's and women's squads visited the city's hospital wards to spend time with patients, their families and NHS staff as part of the club's annual 'A Helping Hand at Christmas' campaign.

The campaign, run by Newcastle United and the club's Foundation, involves a series of community pledges, including tackling food poverty, providing warm and safe spaces, and creating magical experiences for local people during the festive period.

"While December can be a joyful month, it can also be one of the most challenging times of the year for people," said Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales.

"We want those who need some support to know that we're here and we can hopefully extend a hand to them in a way that is heartfelt and meaningful this Christmas."

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Nearly 500 shoeboxes containing presents for children and young people who might otherwise not be receiving much this Christmas have been distributed across Wolverhampton Wanderers' local region, courtesy of the generosity of fans and local businesses.

It's the fourth year of the Wolves Foundation's annual shoebox appeal and it has been the biggest year to date, with 472 shoeboxes delivered to various charities and community groups.

"The generous support we receive from supporters, both individuals and local groups and businesses, is incredible, and shows the strength of community spirit that exists within the city," said Ollie Locker, Wolves Foundation senior health officer.

"The appeal continues to grow year after year, and means that children who might be facing challenging circumstances can have a little bit of Christmas cheer with presents to open on Christmas Day."

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