Players and staff from Mansfield Town Football Club have delivered an early dose of Christmas spirit with their annual visit to the children's ward at King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
A Cherished Annual Tradition
The entire first-team squad, led by manager Nigel Clough and accompanied by coaching staff and the club mascot Sammy the Stag, arrived at the hospital bearing armfuls of presents. The group spent considerable time meeting young patients, their families, and the dedicated hospital staff, aiming to lift spirits during the festive season.
This heartwarming trip has become a fixed point in the club's calendar. Club captain Ryan Sweeney emphasised the importance of the tradition, stating it is something the club undertakes every single year around the Christmas period. "We go in and see the kids who are on the wards and hand them out some gifts and have a good chat with them," Sweeney said. He added poignantly, "It's a tradition we've always done and hopefully a lot of them will be out for Christmas."
Personal Connections to the Hospital
For several members of the Mansfield Town squad, the visit held a deeper, more personal significance. Striker Will Evans highlighted how the experience fills everyone with joy and Christmas cheer, a feeling he first encountered during his debut season with the Stags last year.
Evans went on to reveal a special connection shared by a number of the players. "Myself, Ryan, Frazer (Blake-Tracy) and a few other lads have had children born in this hospital," he explained. "So it's nice to come back for such a happy memory and see the kids. It's about offering support and appreciation."
Spreading Joy Where It's Needed Most
The primary goal of the visit was simple yet powerful: to bring smiles and festive cheer to children who face spending the Christmas period in hospital. By taking time out of their schedule for conversations and gift-giving, the football club demonstrated a strong commitment to its local community beyond the pitch.
This initiative underscores the positive role football clubs can play as community pillars, using their platform to make a tangible difference. The event at King's Mill Hospital continues to be a highlight of the festive calendar for both the club and the young patients they aim to support.
