Clubs spread some festive cheer

Teams do best to assist communities

By David Richardson

NON-LEAGUE clubs have been showing their charitable side and spreading some much-needed festive cheer by visiting hospitals and community centres.

National League leaders Chesterfield have led by example once again with their annual visit to Ashgate Hospice organised by the club’s Community Trust.

Manager James Rowe, whose side will take on Chelsea in the FA Cup third round in January, and vice-chairman Martin Thacker met staff members to hand over gifts to patients, staff and volunteers.

Rowe said: “We want to give back as much as we can to the community. It’s our way of saying thank you at Christmas when we come out here and thank them for everything they’re doing for the community of Chesterfield.”

Martin, who is also chair of North-East Derbyshire District Council, stressed the importance of the club showing that it is an integral part of the community by acknowledging organisations like Ashgate Hospice.

“They make a tremendous difference in so many ways across north Derbyshire and going along and sharing a few gifts with them is an acknowledgment of that,” he said. “We’ve chosen Ashgate Hospice because it is the hospice that’s in the ward I represent, but also because it’s so well-known and it needs that support from us.”

Carl Jones, Ashgate Hospice’s fundraising manager, thanked the Spireites. He said: “We appreciate them taking the time out of their busy schedules to come down and bring some gifts.

“It’s really nice for our staff and volunteers to have that and know that they’re thought of at this time of year.”

Elsewhere, supporters of National League North club Leamington made donations to LWS Night Shelter, a charity which provides food, company and a safe place to sleep for homeless and vulnerably-housed people in Leamington Spa.

TIME FOR GIVING: Chesterfield visited Ashgate Hospice and, inset, Woking delivered presents

Chairman Jim Scott delivered the goods and reiterated how important the club is within its community.

Activity

“Doing that is just part of the ethos of the club,” he told The NLP. “We want to help within the community and that’s why we do so much activity because it’s what we believe in. “Where we can help people less fortunate or are struggling then we try and do so. It’s great that the fans feel the same way and made donations, in this particular case.”

Leamington chairman Jim Scott provided for a night shelter

Woking have been out and about as usual in Surrey, joining forces with Cardinals in the Community, the club’s own partner charity.

It means donations are able to claim back tax to add to the fund with over £3,500 raised so far.

Manager Alan Dowson, staff, directors and players all helped deliver toys to local families as well as ward equipment to local hospitals.