Twenty players spent an afternoon talking and playing games with patients at the hospital, as well as meeting nurses and doctors.
In a visit that spanned several wards and shared areas, players had the opportunity to meet patients and staff from all walks of life. The visit began with small groups visiting wards across the hospital; listening to patients and meeting families as they went.
Amongst several highlights, one fan enjoyed a big hug from Josko Gvardiol, while Jack Grealish received a hand drawn picture.
Meanwhile, in the Teen Zone – an area packed with City fans and participants from the Club’s charity, City in the Community (CITC) – players arrived in groups to surprise the expectant group.
John Stones and Ruben Dias arrived first, spending time talking with the gathered patients and their families.
Later, as other players arrived, CITC participants challenged Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake to a competitive game of table football. Meanwhile, not to be outdone, Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips played connect four in a gripping tie with the fans in the room.
Amongst the festivities, players handed over more than 500 gift bags and blankets going to children staying in the hospital over the festive period.
After the visit, Angela Rowe, Deputy Director of Charity for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, thanked the Club for the visit.
She said: “City’s visit is always a huge highlight in the Christmas calendar and I know it really brought a lift to our patients. We’re so happy to be able to partner with the club in this way.”
John Stones, who visited the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital alongside the full men’s squad, said: “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.
“I especially enjoyed our visit to the Teen Zone, where we were able to spend time playing games with some huge City fans from the hospital and City in the Community. I hope those memories go some way towards creating a special Christmas for them all.
“But Christmas is about more than just one day, and it makes me proud to know that Manchester City and its fans are creating real, impactful opportunities for young people through the Club’s festive campaign this season.”
The visit formed part of the Club’s wider festive campaign, The Greatest Season of All, which saw Manchester City, its fans, and staff, come together this Christmas to support young people.
‘The Greatest Season of All’ includes gift giving, community events and fundraising, and has so far funded the equivalent of 5,760 hours of free 1-2-1 and group mentoring, with a total of £200,000 raised and counting.
Funds raised will help create healthier futures for young people in Manchester through targeted mentoring and community football outreach from City in the Community coaches, focusing on building confidence, life skills, and career aspirations.
Since early November, the Club has been donating £5 to its charity, City in the Community (registered charity no. 1139229), for every purchase a fan makes from a range of selected Christmas retail items.
Alongside this, the Club has been trebling additional donations made by fans and staff to increase the total overall funds for City in the Community football programmes, up to the value of £75,000 in total*.
You can see a collection of pictures from the visit below:
*MCFC will donate £5 for each sold Christmas product** and will treble donations made to Manchester City F.C. City in the Community Foundation (registered charity no. 1139229) during the period of 06 November 2023 to 31 December 2023 up to a maximum of £75,000 in total.
**Five Christmas Jumpers, Family Pyjama Set, Dressing Gown and Oodie, Plush Santa Teddy Bear, Treble Book, Treble Football, Brown and Blue Plush Teddies, Moonbeam and Moonchester, Four Player Funko Pops
