''SO GRATEFUL'' - MHFC EXPERIENCE

Taylor Stevenson had got in touch to offer MHFC their full box for the Lincoln friendly on Saturday.

As it held 17 people, but more importantly it was a friendly, I thought it would be a perfect occasion to invite people who run local mental health companies and along with their kids, some of which struggle in busy and loud environments (but of course, all loved football).

We had such a great mix of people and kids, all got on very well, socialising and supporting each other and each other’s kids really well.



 

Everyone loved their meals and the excitement for the match started to build as the kids saw some of the players coming out for a pre-match walk around the pitch.

As the game got going, it was great to see everyone together and watching the game, but it did become apparent how much the ability to head back inside for more quiet time and darker room as and when needed was valued.

Claire (the fantastic lady who runs the executive box hospitality on match day), went above and beyond for the kids in our box, making sure they were always ok and even took them to see the old trophies and memorabilia in the Directors lounge, thank you Claire.

After the game, everyone went to see the man of the match presentation, with Leon Ayinde being named.

I was slightly gutted that there was no stadium tour for the kids to go on, as they would’ve loved that and it would’ve been the cherry on the cake, but either way, that absolutely loved their day.

A massive thank you to Taylor Stevenson for the hospitality.

Thank you to Kev for helping organise the experience from MHFC’s side and taking some stress away, and also Tim for supporting me and helping to keep things flowing.

Unfortunately, the days leading up to the match I was quite ill, I was improving and also determined to be there to see everyone, I lasted until half time and then had to get home, I wasn’t feeling great at all.

But, reading the below feedback was incredibly powerful and reminded me of why I do these experiences and surprises for people……

“I just wanted to thank you again for your kind invitation, today’s experience was fantastic and the day was spent with some great people.

Rhys has never watched a football match in a stadium before, the environment provided today made the perfect opportunity for Rhys to access an experience which otherwise may be too overwhelming.

I’m so grateful for this opportunity which has allowed having a controlled ‘safe space’ where he could step-in and out of as he wished which allowed for us to watch a football match as a family 

The kids were fantastic today, it was lovely to see them all enjoying the match and bonding over digital devices 

You are creating so many positive experiences… more than I think you realise.”

 Vicky

“A huge thank you to Ryan.

After our family recently went through a really difficult time, Ryan kindly arranged for my son and me to attend a Doncaster Rovers match in a hospitality box.

This was Jaxson’s very first football match. He absolutely loves watching football on TV and playing it himself, but we’ve always been cautious about taking him to a live game because of the overwhelming sensory stimulation.

Thanks to Ryan’s kindness, Jaxson was able to experience football in a calm, supportive environment surrounded by amazing people. He could enjoy the match, step away whenever he needed to, and take everything at his own pace.

He was even shown around, got to see the trophies, and experienced the Man of the Match presentation without the crowds or overwhelming atmosphere.

Seeing his smile and watching him enjoy something we’ve always worried might be too much was incredibly special.

I can’t thank Ryan enough for making this possible and giving Jaxson such a positive first football experience. It truly meant the world to us.

Ryan is doing incredible work and is always thinking of others and how he can support them. Even while facing his own battles, he continues to find ways to make a difference, strengthen the community, and create opportunities for others.

You are an inspiration, Ryan. You should be incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved so far, and I’m certain this is only the beginning. Thank you for everything you do. ”

Debbie

“We had such a fantastic experience and felt incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy the game from a hospitality box. It was something completely new for us and made the whole day feel that little bit more special from the moment we arrived.

For Florence especially, it was great to experience football in a different way. She absolutely loves football, so being able to watch the match from a box, enjoy the hospitality and see everything that goes on around the game was a brilliant experience for her.

For me, one of the nicest parts was simply being able to spend quality time together and make another memory. Life can be so busy, so having a day where we could enjoy ourselves, experience something new and share it with other lovely people and children was fantastic. It was also great to meet new people and hear their stories.

Getting to see the Man of the Match presentation afterwards was another highlight. Being able to meet the player and experience something that you wouldn’t normally get to see as a supporter made the day even better.

The atmosphere, the hospitality, the company and the little extras throughout the day all made it an experience we will remember for a long time. Opportunities like this give children experiences they can talk about for years afterwards, and as a parent, seeing their excitement and enjoyment is priceless.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made us feel so welcome and gave us the opportunity to experience the day. It was about much more than just watching a football match — it was about spending time together, meeting new people, experiencing something different and creating some really special memories.”

 Bekki

“Saturday was soo great.  As a mum to a VERY enthusiastic football fan, it made for a fun afternoon. We were especially excited and grateful to be given the ‘VIP treatment’ as my little one said.

It was really special to share an experience with him that wasn’t purely me stood on the side line cheering him on.

Him and his friend were so excited to meet the man of the match….it was a special day!”

 Hannah

“A absolute pleasure to attend the Doncaster Rovers v Lincoln City friendly by kind invitation of Ryan Oldfield MHFC.

Taylor Stevenson gifted their hospitality box allowing all those attending to feel relaxed and away from the crowds

A few of the children felt a little overwhelmed and apprehensive prior to the match but soon felt settled and gained an interest in the match.

There were familiar faces and also an opportunity to make new friends.

A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.”

 Tim