Our Clubs Still So Committed To Spreading Festive Joy

But whatever 2020 has thrown at us one thing remains the same - National League clubs’ commitment to their communities.

It’s usually this time of year where you see images of players dressed in Santa hats nipping into Children’s Wards and spreading a little festive cheer wherever they can.

Hospital visits are off the agenda this time around - so clubs have had to think outside the box to make sure they are still doing their bit to raise a smile.

Chesterfield’s Christmas Toy Appeal went from strength to strength as local families were put at the front of Spireites’ thoughts.

New manager James Rowe, pictured, may not have been in place when it all kicked off but he was blown away by what he saw.

He said: “To see the amount of toys here is really amazing and it shows again what the community is about and what this club’s about. When the two marry up, it’s amazing what can be achieved.

“Every child deserves to open a present at Christmas and many are going to get an opportunity now, thanks to this appeal. This is a fantastic initiative and I’m proud to manage this club.”

Curzon Ashton’s Community Foundation joined forces with the National League North club and the results were impressive.

They are been thrilled to be providing food to children who get free school meals throughout Tameside

The club made full use of six very large transportable freezers adjacent to the ground which are full of donated food.

Woking’s list of community achievements grows every year.

They have supplemented 60 Christmas meals to families in Guildford and Woking via local charity Foodwise and delivered Christmas puddings, Christmas trees and even provided 5 Kindle Fire and toys to kids in hospital locally.

The Cards have also worked closely with several families going through a hard time.

Proud chairman Rosemary Johnson said: “In these challenging times this has been a marvellous effort from our fans, local businesses and players to bring Christmas cheer and support to local people and helping Christmas be a little more special.”

Sutton United couldn’t do their annual hospital visit - so they took decisive action!

“The players met at the ground last Friday morning, all resplendent in their Christmas sweaters, and helped to organise the presents before manager Matt Gray and Tobi Sho-Silva represented the squad in taking the gifts to the Oak Centre Children’s Ward at the Royal Marsden Hospital,” the club posted.

“Sadly, it wasn’t possible to deliver the presents to the children in person and they had to be left at the front door with a nurse, but we hope to organise a visit to the hospital when the current situation has eased, and will also invite some children as our guests when it is again safe to do so.”

Oxford City made sure their local children didn’t go without.

They dished out some gifts after a delivery to New Marston Primary School and gave over 500 Christmas presents to the community alongside commercial partners Thin Air Sports.

AFC Fylde delivered hampers to the disadvantaged children in the local community on Monday. Each player went to an individual address, where they dropped off a present and took a socially distanced selfies with the children.

The parcels were been generously donated by supporters, local businesses; and AFC Fylde staff and players.

Billericay Town also distributed hampers, but to the elderly residents of the area.

Wrexham are another club using their time wisely to spread some festive cheer. The Welsh side have donated 500 toys to various charities, created a FoodBank collection point and launched a befriending service for those in need of support.

Chorley have also looked to reduce loneliness this winter by launched a #BeaWinterFriend campaign, with the support of manager Jamie Vermiglio and multiple players.

An incredible £200,000 has been raised by Stockport County to provide meals for children during the two-week school Christmas break.

The club believe their efforts will go a long way to helping the many children in Greater Manchester struggling to be fed over this period.

Maidenhead United are continuing their excellent community work from during the initial lockdown period of 2020.

The Magpies continue to run their community care helpline, have raised over £20,000 in a Magpies 150 Challenge and are promoting local businesses in their town.

Spennymoor Town are playing their part with a festive campaign, setting up an appeal which has raised £20,000 in value through donations and food.

Ebbsfleet United, Notts County, Guiseley and Slough Town are examples of other National League clubs making a difference at a difficult time for those in need.