Leeds United welcomed Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto for a Christmas visit as part of their season-long engagement with Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm.
The penny started to drop as we shone our phone flashlights on the soon-to-be millionaire football players to take pictures with stunned kids. We were gathered in an Eccup woods, up to our ankles in muck, in the waning light of a December afternoon under a canvas wet with rain.
Fortunately, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto had accepted the offer of the in-house wellies from Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm. The chilly West Yorkshire countryside was in no way compatible with the pair’s expensive shoes.
Granted, they might have required their personal flashlights to check the boots for spiders first, but they persevered and managed to go inside nonetheless. When Leeds United came to town for Christmas, it would have been simple for them to hide inside by the log burner and wait for the kids to come find them.
It seemed very strange. Loved by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Leeds supporters worldwide, these young football players stood there, hardly visible, speaking through the smoke of the charity’s bushcraft session.
The story of the two future Ballon d’Or nominees speaking to adoring children while freezing in the middle of nowhere was the kind that the assembled journalists would tell their grandkids years from now. Think of the stories the children told their parents that evening and the following nights.
That is the cornerstone of the club and Lineham Farm’s newfound collaboration, which makes them United’s official charity partner for the upcoming campaign. Increasing the charity’s visibility is one thing, but chief executive Dave Norman believes that what really matters is the immediate impact on the kids who use the service.
He remarked, “It’s great for us because it spreads our message and our story.” “It’s more about what the youth receive than charity.” We have some amazing football players here from both the male and female teams, so kids get to meet individuals they see on TV and realize they’re simply guys or girls. kids also get to see their heroes.
They only need to talk to them to realize that there’s nothing particularly unique about them. I don’t mean to seem condescending, but if they can get to that point, then so can I.
It’s all about how these heroes inspire and treat the young people during their trips, and that really makes a difference. It truly does have a big impact.
The nonprofit organization seeks to enable underprivileged kids in Leeds to reach their greatest potential and become all that they desire in order to better themselves and their larger communities. The goal of the organization is to guarantee that any child in Leeds who requires assistance or respite care gets it effectively, to the best of standards, and for the necessary amount of time.
At the farm, the kids can participate in both indoor and outdoor activities like arts and crafts, dancing, music, bushcraft, climbing, archery, and cycling. For kids aged seven to eleven, there are 210 acres to explore and three freshly cooked meals served daily on the premises.
But the guests to the farm on this specific day received far more than they had anticipated. Gnonto and Summerville gave the gifts to the children and then interacted with them for a while, answering their inquiries and making them laugh.
Any ice was gloriously broken as Gnonto’s famous terrace chant, at least the opening bars, were played for each of them. One child, Jack, would enquire as to if they were brothers once everyone’s eyebrows had returned to their normal positions.
Summerville would respond, “A brother from another mother,” and then inquire as to whether Jack had any brothers of his own. After shaking Gnonto’s hand, one child would later swear they would never wash their hands again.
With the January transfer window rapidly approaching, one young person provided Gnonto with the hardest and most pertinent question of the day. Will you be a permanent resident of Leeds, Willy?
The Italian was reduced to laughter and a humble “I’m not sure if they want me.” I’m having fun. After the visit, Summerville discussed his thoughts on the visit with the media. It’s always pleasant to surprise the youngsters, he remarked. Being like this off the pitch makes them smile since I was one of them in a past life.
“It’s very nice to see the change in my life,” he continued. “I used to look up to players like Neymar and [Lionel] Messi, and they are looking up at players like me, Willy Gnonto.” By my actions and the way I play, I bring joy to children. It’s pleasant every time.
This season, Summerville’s profile has taken off. After 19 league games, the Dutch winger has 16 goals and 16 assists, leading the team’s promotion campaign. Nothing makes you more visible than a goal, and no football player in Leeds is more well-known at the moment. Summerville, who is only 22 years old, has had to grow up and realize how important it is to provide an example for his younger fans. He’s attempting to do the right
Since I’m still young, it was difficult at first, he admitted. “I mistakenly believe that others don’t notice me or don’t monitor me, yet they are always observing whatever I do.
“I like to think of myself as a role model, and I’m happy to make them happy by being someone they look up to.” “A visit like this makes their childhood even more special.”
Just like it did for those of us watching from the mud hole, Summerville is losing money. The stars of United’s future are more than just their public personas, professional earnings, and social media presence.
They might have made this visit by phone from the comfort of inside. They are aware of their place, function, and significance within the communities in which they reside.
