Players from Exeter City Football Club’s men’s and women’s teams took time out of their training schedules to visit sick children in hospital in Exeter.

The group, who were accompanied by manager Gary Caldwell, first team player coach David Perkins, and mascot Grecian the Lion, spent a couple of hours visiting youngsters on the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Bramble Ward, at the RD&E Wonford, delivering hundreds of pounds worth of presents.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors Nevada Construction, donations from the players, Exeter City Supporters’ Club, Grecian Goal, Exeter City Supporters’ Trust and the club board, the club was able to deliver gifts for children who will be in hospital over the Christmas period and beyond, and contribute a further £600 to a project to create two new spaces in the ward to support young people who are struggling with mental health issues.

The visit to Bramble Ward was part of a day of community activity organised by the club, which includes the seniors’ Christmas lunch and, during the evening, the popular calendar signing event, which featured players from the men’s and women’s teams and saw queues of supporters waiting to meet the players.

Nick Hawker, chair of the club and Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, said: “As a supporter-owned club, it’s intrinsic in our DNA that we make a positive impact off the pitch as well as on it. Visiting Bramble Ward, supporting projects for young people’s mental health and inviting our fans to the club reflects our commitment to giving back to the community that supports us.

“Moments like these are the things that stay long in the memory of our supporters and remind us that football really is more than a game, it’s a way to inspire, connect, and bring joy.”