A fiesta of football for city youngsters
More than 100 children got to meet their Exeter City idols at a special Train with the Team Day.
The event, which was organised by Exeter CITY Community Trust and the Junior Grecian Committee, saw members of the Junior Grecians take over the club’s Cliff Hill Training Ground.
The first team turned out in force and the youngsters, who were aged from five to 14, got to try their luck against the likes of Christy Pym, Lee Holmes and Jayden Stockley at the exclusive Junior Grecians event.
Scott Walker, deputy head of community at CITY Community Trust, said: ‘It was a great day, the rain held off and a brilliant time was had by all. We were so lucky to be able to use the first team’s training facilities. It is such a brilliant opportunity for them and we’re very grateful to Matt Taylor for this, and for making the squad available.
‘And you never know, we might have spotted some stars of the future in amongst the talented youngsters who played today.’
The event, which is only open to Junior Grecian members, saw youngsters get the chance to meet the City first team squad, receive autographs and play alongside them in small sided games.
Coaching sessions were given to all of the children throughout the morning as they took part in passing, shooting and dribbling drills before Matt Taylor’s men finished up their first team training session and headed down to meet the young fans on the 3G pitch.
Exeter City first team player Lee Holmes said occasions like this were important for the relationship between the club and its supporters.
He said: ‘It’s class. Every year I have been here so far there has been probably 100+ kids which is great. It’s always nice to be able to interact with them, play a few games and see smiles on faces.
‘When you get down here you realise how family orientated the club is and the work that CITY Community Trust provides, not just in and around the ground, but in and around the city.’
He continued: ‘I’ve seen so many Exeter City shirts on today, from all of the age groups, and I think if we can do our part on and off the pitch then I think it only creates the excitement that is in and around the city.’
The City winger also admitted how he enjoyed going to similar events when he was a youngster as he tried to meet his favourite professionals.
He said: ‘I did, I used to go to all the clubs that I could go to back in Derby or Nottingham and try and get as many autographs as I could. It’s nice to be doing the same for these kids.’
To join the Junior Grecians for other brilliant events or to book up for holiday courses this summer visit www.exetercitycommunitytrust.co.uk
