The Christmas spirit is already in the air as the auspicious Christian holidays get closer. It is also an important element for soccer clubs and their players, who join in on the celebrations. Manchester City have also decided to join in on the celebrations early this year with the fans.
City may not be performing well in their recent matches, but fans are still grateful to them for the historic treble-winning campaign last season. And now the club has decided to repay that faith by performing acts of charity for their fans.
Manchester City players celebrate with fans
Manchester City decided to come together ahead of Christmas with it’s fans and staff, with the players taking an active part in the event. The club has a festive community campaign named ‘The Greatest Season of All’, after the amazing triple season they have had. It’s main aim is to help the young children of the Manchester area.
The whole aim is to provide gifts and organize many community events, along with fundraising, which has seen £200,000 raised. Since November, the club has contributed £5 for every purchase of their Christmas items from their stores.
The players of the club came together to celebrate with the fans early this month. John Stones and the rest of the men’s squad recently went to make a surprise visit to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, meeting up with a lot of their young fans. There, they interacted a lot with the young fans, taking part in many games and activities.
Stones said of the visit, “I have visited the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital a few times now and always feel so inspired after meeting so many incredible people. This year has been no different and I know all of the lads are really proud to be here.”
The women’s team also joined, making a surprise visit to Francis House, where they met with children suffering from terminal illnesses.
Manchester City donate 500 gifts to children’s hospital
Already some of the funds have gone to some use, with the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital receiving a donation of more than 500 gift bags along with blankets to the children admitted there. They were handed out by none other than the players in person when they made the surprise visit last week.
Most of the funds will also be used to provide mentoring and to allow access to soccer programs in Manchester. These will help young children choose their career and gain confidence and life skills. They will also help in programmes to deal with many mental health and other issues.
City will now face Crvena Zvezda tonight as part of the last group stage game of the UCL campaign, with Kevin De Bruyne still uncertain to play. Will the Cityzens be able to win the tie? Tell us in the comments.
