The players of Wigan Athletic did the club proud by visiting hospitals and schools to spread their own kind of Christmas cheer.
Wigan Athletic players and manager Roberto Martinez have been on their traditional Christmas visits this week, handing out Christmas presents.
The players and the club provided the presents, which were handed by all the players, at the Rainbow Ward of the Royal Albert Infirmary, Hope Special School in Marus Bridge, Willow Grove Primary School in Ashton-in-Makerfield and Midstream DayCare Centre in Upholland.
Manager Roberto Martinez joined James McCarthy, James McArthur, Hugo Rodallega, Jordi Gomez, Ronnie Stam and Mohamed Diamé as they visited The Rainbow Ward and handed out presents to the children.
Roberto Martinez said: “It’s vital that the club carry out visits like these at Christmas, we can bring a bit of good cheer into people’s lives during the festive period and we are proud to represent the club at this time.”
James McCarthy said: “It’s just a few minutes of our time and when you see the smiles on the children’s faces, it really makes it all worthwhile.”
Gary Caldwell, Maynor Figueroa, Hendry Thomas, Emmerson Boyce and Steve Gohouri visited Hope Special School in Marus Bridge, and as well as handing out the presents, ended up having a kickabout with the children.
Gary Caldwell said: “Many of the players are parents, myself included, and it makes you appreciate everything when you come and meet these amazing kids, they really are special. It is a real pleasure to come down and help any way we can.”
Mike Pollitt, Ali Al Habsi, Victor Moses, Charles N’Zogbia and Steve Caldwell were at Willow Grove in Ashton, and the pupils were extremely happy to have the Latics santas come to town!
Mike Pollitt said: “It’s nice if we as a group of players can give something back to the local kids at Christmas and we all are so happy to come down and do our bit.”
Last but not least, Antolin Alcaraz, Tom Cleverly, Ben Watson, Franco Di Santo and Mauro Boselli visited Midstream Day Care Centre and handed out DVDs and CDs to the clients there.
Ben Watson said: “It’s a pleasure for us to come down and be able to do something to help at Christmas. The people down here are terrific and were really happy to see us!”
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