Exeter City delivers holiday cheer

Players from Exeter City Football Club’s men’s and women’s teams brought festive cheer to children at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Bramble Ward this week.

The visit, led by manager Gary Caldwell, first-team player-coach David Perkins, and the club’s beloved mascot Grecian the Lion, provided a heartwarming break from training as they delivered gifts and spent quality time with young patients.

Thanks to the generosity of Nevada Construction and donations from players, Exeter City Supporters’ Club, Cans4City, Grecian Goal, Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, and the club board, the team distributed hundreds of pounds worth of presents.

Additionally, the club contributed £600 to fund two new spaces on the ward designed to support young people facing mental health challenges.

Nick Hawker, chair of the club and Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, emphasised the importance of these efforts:
"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."

The Bramble Ward visit was part of a day filled with community-focused activities organized by Exeter City FC. Other highlights included the seniors’ Christmas lunch and the evening’s popular calendar signing event, where players from both teams greeted fans, many of whom queued for the chance to meet their favourite stars.

The club’s dedication to making a difference, especially during the festive season, showcases the unifying power of football and its ability to brighten lives both on and off the pitch.

Hawker captured the significance of he visit, saying, "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.”