John Stones and Rodri were among the Manchester City players Zooming into local schools to support the Christmas effort from City in the Community (CITC).
CITC, which celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year, ensured that 6,000 footballs were donated to schools in East Manchester and children in foster homes across the city, 450 gifts went to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, staff volunteered at local charities, and toys, football boots and three-course meals were among further donations made to families and local communities.
City Women players helped to buy, wrap, and give presents to Wood Street Mission and the men's first team stars were hoping to surprise local schools by delivering the footballs themselves.
While the tightening of restrictions in the Premier League in response to growing concerns around the Omicron variant of Covid-19 meant that in-person visits had to be scrapped, Stones, Rodri, Nathan Ake and Scott Carson all called in to speak to kids across primary school, secondary school and college.
“I know that the Club and City in the Community are passionate about supporting people within Manchester all year round, but it’s been great to see everyone pull together over the Christmas period," said Stones.
“I’ve really enjoyed speaking with the children and seeing the genuine happiness these footballs bring – it makes me especially proud to be a part of the Manchester City family and, on behalf of us all, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.”
