Premier League clubs have reiterated their commitment to supporting their local communities this Christmas.

A traditional part of this festive support is club visits to local hospitals, during which players and managers deliver gifts and meet patients and staff who cannot be home during this time.

And while these visits are not possible in person due to the coronavirus pandemic, clubs are using virtual calls to boost the morale of people hospitalized virtually.

Liverpool players including Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Alisson have brought some zest for life by hosting a special online tour.

“It’s a shame that we can’t visit the hospital again this year, but we still had so much fun meeting the young people and their families virtually,” Captain Jordan Henderson told the official club website.

“This visit is something really important for all the guys and one that we look forward to every year.

“On behalf of the players and the club, I want to thank all the staff at the hospital for the really amazing work they do day in and day out and especially under the current circumstances. They are truly amazing.”

The club and its LFC Red Neighbors team also hosted 600 locals to enjoy a three-course Christmas lunch served as part of their Operation Christmas Magic program to help bring communities together this holiday season.

Across town, Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin called Dylan, a 13-year-old Toffees fan, who is recovering at home after recently undergoing nine-hour emergency surgery to cope to a brain aneurysm, which left him in need. rehabilitation to help him move, speak and see.

Instead of a scheduled call with physiotherapists to Alder Hey, Dylan was instead confronted by his hero Everton, as part of the club’s True Blue Crimbo campaign to reward deserving youngsters who have gone through a difficult year.

Dylan’s surprise call

Manchester United players got into the festive spirit by wrapping gifts and recording festive messages for patients and staff at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Christie and Francis House Children’s Hospice.

“It’s been a very difficult year so just knowing that people are thinking of us, not just the families but the staff here as well, is really important,” said David Ireland, Managing Director of Francis House Children’s. Hospice. official club website.

“It hasn’t been an easy time; everyone’s working under a lot of anxiety and stress, but these gifts give us that little treat and a boost just when we need it, right before Christmas. “

This support is part of Manchester United FoundationThe Santa’s Red Helpers campaign, which provides opportunities for young people, as well as support for local communities and families during the winter season.

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard was also on hand to make a surprise call, as he chatted with Villa fan Jai Rai-Aheer.

The seven-year-old will be spending Christmas in hospital while undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with leukemia in May.

Tottenham Hotspur stars Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier have had calls at four hospitals, North Middlesex University Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone and Whittington Hospital in Islington, with patients and staff receiving festive deliveries from the club.

“The holiday season can often be a difficult time for our patients and their families, so this welcome surprise has helped lift their spirits and put a smile on their face,” said Kelly Parker, Pediatric Matron at Princess Alexandra Hospital. . official club website.

“We can’t thank Spurs enough for their generous gifts – it means the world to our patients, their loved ones and our hard-working team. Thank you for thinking of us.”

Although player visits in person were not possible this year, Arsenal made sure that the club’s toys and gifts were still delivered to youngsters at Whittington, Royal Free, Homerton and Barnet hospitals.

The club was also able to host a Christmas cave at the Arsenal in the community Hub for deserving children from four local primary schools which included a stadium tour and a soccer session on the pitch.

There is also a Christmas dinner planned at The Hub for young people in Islington who have recently left the care system.