Easter joy comes to the residents of Whiteley Village

Being a supportive, inclusive and community focused club has always been important to Walton & Hersham Youth FC. When the opportunity came to bring some Easter joy to our new neighbours in Whiteley Village, our young players rose to the challenge.

Over 100 of our players created beautiful Easter cards for the most vulnerable residents of Whiteley Village. The Whiteley Village residents were presented with the cards along with Easter gifts, most of which were kindly donated by Waitrose, Esher. Walton & Hersham Youth FC also added some much sought after Maltesers Easter Eggs and treats, which are a particular favourite bingo prize for the residents.

Included in the children’s homemade Easter cards were finger paintings and handprint pictures to symbolise them reaching out to connect and hold hands with the elderly residents at a time when they are physically unable to do so.

The children’s passion for football was also represented in their artwork of course.

Being a good neighbour to the residents of Whiteley Village is part of the community ethos of W&HYFC and the Club is very proud of the creativity and effort our young players have displayed.

Laura Cole, Community Services Manager at the Whiteley Homes Trust, thanked the Club’s children and Waitrose Esher on behalf of residents:
“Our charity houses and supports many older people of limited means at Whiteley Village, and our residents will be delighted with these beautiful cards and gifts. It is a very kind gesture and will mean so much to them after all the months of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic. We’re very grateful to both Walton & Hersham Youth FC and Waitrose and Partners (Esher) for being such good neighbours!”

Pictured (L-R) back row
Kirstien Duester, Wellbeing Coordinator, The Whiteley Homes Trust; Danny Kent, Chair, Walton & Hersham Youth Football Club; Lilian Meagher, Volunteer Coordinator, The Whiteley Homes Trust

Front row (L-R)
Walton & Hersham Youth FC members: Gracie Giddens, Albert Lopez-Charles, Evie Bedford, Dillon Townsend, Charlie Bedford, Harrison Lopez-Charles and Ruby Giddens.