AFC BOURNEMOUTH players spent a festive afternoon with people at Julia’s House, delivering the residents gifts and playing games with them

First team players, including captain Simon Francis, Joshua King, Ryan Fraser, were joined by manager Eddie Howe at the hospice in Poole.

Caz Maddock, communications manager, said: “Everyone was really excited. We had about 10 to 15 families there.

“A lot of the children are Bournemouth fans and the players spent a lot of time chatting to everyone. It was a lovely atmosphere.

“It was a chance for the players to see how day to day life is for people at Julia’s House and the players were being asked about their careers in football.

“It was so special. They came down with gifts for the children. It is a lift for the families.

“The players took time to find out what the children were interested in. It was really lovely.

“They spent a couple of hours at the hospice and played games and spent time chatting.”

Cherries manager, Eddie Howe, said: “We love to spend time with the children and families at Julia’s House.

“We get a great reaction from the children, especially the Bournemouth supporters! We enjoy talking to the families about their lives and their challenges, it is a really rewarding experience.

“By letting us into their lives, it brings a perspective to our own.

“We just hope we have given the families a lift in some way.”