Derbyshire YC were invited to this event organised by the CO-OP hosted at the Chesterfield football ground in one of the hospitality suites overlooking the ground to celebrate Young Carers of Derbyshire. 

This event was certainly special as to what DCA usually do. It hopefully gave everyone a better insight and understanding as to the lives of Young Carers, all the while giving the 29 Young Carers and their families who attend a great day out and experience.

The morning was welcomes and introductions with speakers applauding what young carers do. We had presentations from Co-op staff and DCA staff about the work they do and how we support Young Carers.

Tour of the football ground, meet the manager and some of the players.

With access to all areas, as much as COVID restrictions could permit, a tour was guided by Chesterfield football staff. Of special note was the ground’s tunnelled facilities sensory room, a room being built alongside the history of the team’s rise to current position. There were facilities for disabled access to the ground with further offer to provide free tickets to watch future games.

Some of the YC and their families had already enjoyed previous games. The tour offered the opportunity to view access for those with mobility issues giving them the confidence that they too could comfortably attend and take the opportunity to book tickets for future fixtures. Offering YC and their families to spend time together away from their caring role.

Unfortunately, the day didn’t give us the opportunity to have a kick around which we had hoped for but the football pitch has to be maintained for match days.

Lunch was provided which gave everyone the opportunity to sit and chat with other carer’s staff and the organisers.

A performance by the Young Chesterfield Irish Colliery Band and YC were invited to join in and play some of the instruments.

Flower arranging was the final event of the day with YC joining in and taking the flowers home with them.

Here is some of the feedback from the day:

   ‘’Great day I’d never seen a real football pitch before other than on TV’’

·         ‘’Loved the flower arranging would have liked more time with this’’

·         ‘’Having seen the facilities it now gives me the confidence to come to a match with my son’’

·         ‘’Meeting the manager was a highlight of the day and seeing some of the players’’

·         ‘’Lunch was amazing lots of queuing but that was fine as lots of food’’

·         ‘‘it was great to just have time with my child away from  home commitments we don’t usually have this time’’

 

If you would like free tickets for future games then please just let us know.

We know your time is very precious and we would like to thank you all for attending and for your feedback about the day.