U23S VISIT EXTRA TIME CHRISTMAS PARTY

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Academy players make special visit to charity's Extra Time programme

2021-12-11T10:50:00.000Z

U23S VISIT EXTRA TIME CHRISTMAS PARTY

Academy players make special visit to charity's Extra Time programme

2021-12-11T10:50:00.000Z

Academy players make special visit to charity's Extra Time programme

Burnley FC in the Community's award-winning Extra Time programme is aimed at the over 50s and tackles issues of loneliness, social isolation and encourages increased physical activity among the senior community across Burnley and East Lancashire.

Taking place in the Trophy Room at Turf Moor, those in attendance at the Extra Time Christmas party were treated to a delicious Christmas Dinner and a pudding, with bingo, pass the parcel, a raffle and pin the nose on the reindeer games.

Burnley FC U23 players Lewis Richardson, Harry Allen, Rob Harker, Ben Woods, Sam Unwin, and Joel Connolly also attended, along with Assistant Manager and Clarets’ favourite, Andy Farrell.

It was a fantastic event, with group members and players alike joining in the fun and games!

Commenting on the party, Andy Farrell said: “I think it’s a big thing just to connect with the community. A few of the people that I’ve spoken to were probably watching the football club when I was playing, which was 30-years ago, but the younger lads were interested in meeting different people in the community itself around the area.

“We’ve done bingo, I was the bingo caller. We’ve done pass the parcel and we’ve just generally got round to meet a few of the people and talk to them.

“For the older generation, it’s good for them to meet the future players, so it is a good thing.”

Striker Lewis Richardson added: “It’s very important that we get involved with some of the people, to come here and give them some happy memories over Christmas time is brilliant.

“It’s a really good thing, and we’ve just come down and played a few games, it’s been fun.”

The free Extra Time sessions, organised by BFCitC’s friendly and dynamic team, are the ideal place for over 50s to come and meet new people and take part in brilliant activities.

Extra Time participant Carole, who has been on the programme for six-years, praised BFCitC’s work in the local area.

U23S VISIT EXTRA TIME CHRISTMAS PARTY - Image 1

She said: “I was one of the original ones when it started six-years ago, so I’ve been coming since then. I’ve been able to get to know people of a similar age, the men enjoy talking about football, we play some games and it’s just a nice, friendly atmosphere.

“The players were fabulous, we sat with a couple of them, and they were very friendly, they joined in with everything and they helped with the raffle, so it’s been nice.

“Burnley Football Club and Burnley FC in the Community are amazing with the activities they organise, there’s lots of different age groups and a lot of people don’t realise how much goes on behind the scenes, and it’s superb.”

Head of Community Welfare and Inclusion at Burnley FC in the Community, Michael Colquhoun added: “The participants who attend Extra Time are a fantastic group of people, who come on a weekly basis to our sessions at Burnley Cricket Club.

“We really appreciated the players’ and Andy’s taking the time to attend the party, it was well received by all, and they were fully involved in the fun for the afternoon.”