Families treated to special day at Thorp Arch

Leeds United welcomed some very special guests to Thorp Arch recently, courtesy of official charity partner Yorkshire Cancer Research, to give young people and their families an unforgettable day out.

The club has been working with the local charity for over two years now, helping to create special memories for people across the region who have been affected by cancer in one way or another.

To get in the festive spirit this year, Yorkshire Cancer Research were on hand to invite a group of young people who have experienced cancer, along with either their parents, guardians, or siblings, to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the club’s training ground, with the chance to meet all of their favourite players.

To get in the festive spirit this year, Yorkshire Cancer Research were on hand to invite a group of young people who have experienced cancer, along with either their parents, guardians, or siblings, to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the club’s training ground, with the chance to meet all of their favourite players.

On arrival at the training facility the families gathered in the players games room to relax ahead of watching the first-team train, during this time they were able to mingle, play table tennis, pool, darts, and table football, and they were also greeted by none other than head coach Jesse Marsch, who welcomed each of them and spoke about his personal experiences with how cancer has affected some of his loved ones.

The youngsters then made their way outside to watch the full squad take on a difficult training session, getting the chance to have a kick about on the pitches at Thorp Arch themselves, along with the opportunity to meet local boxer Josh Warrington who was also paying a visit.

Following the training session, and before meeting their heroes face-to-face, with the opportunity to get photographs and autographs, the group were also taken for a mini tour, learning more about the day-to-day routines of the team and backroom staff.

Towards the end of their visit, each of the children were gifted a special Leeds United and Yorkshire Cancer Research goody bag, with sweet treats and hot drinks also dished out.

Nikki Brady, PR Manager at Yorkshire Cancer Research, spoke to LUTV during the visit and she said:

Nikki Brady continued:

“We’ve given them a little tour, and they met pretty much all of the players, they’ve had photos and got autographs and it’s just been an absolutely brilliant day."

"All of these children and young people have been through a really tough time having gone through cancer themselves as well as the pandemic, so to be able to experience something like this and to give them a break from what they’ve been through, and the chance to meet their heroes, is just really special.”