Spurs players deliver toys in Haringey for Christmas

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The annual donation by Tottenham Hotspur was part of the Local Buyers Club’s Winter Toy Appeal to help young people and families in Haringey.

Players from the men's first team personally visited several youth centres across the borough to hand out the toys and spend time with the kids.

The club’s initiative marks a shift from their traditional Christmas toy deliveries, which were typically made to hospitals.

James Maddison and Brandon Austin were among the players who visited Project 2020, an off-road hub in Northumberland Park.

The pair joined in some light-hearted games with the children and toured the music studio, where regular workshops are held.

Maddison said: "It always brings me so much satisfaction and joy to see the smiles on kids' faces when we come down to local youth centres like these.

"I love Christmas and doing these events, meeting the kids, and being able to share in moments of joy during such a busy time of year."

Brennan Johnson and Alfie Whiteman attended the annual Christmas party at Somerford Grove Adventure Playground, an activity space designed by children from Tottenham.

Mr Johnson said: "Community is such an important part of the club so it’s really important we do stuff like this.

"The kids were so excited but we were really excited to see them too.

"They’re great kids and I’m just so happy to be involved."

Broadwater Farm Children’s Centre was also on the players' itinerary, with Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall participating in an arts and crafts session and a table tennis competition before handing out toys to the children.

Kulusevski added: "Spending time with the kids is so important, it is a big honour for me.

"Things like this are what really matter, putting smiles on faces before Christmas, it means something for us players too."

Archie Gray and Djed Spence visited Bruce Grove Youth Centre, engaging in activities such as pool, music, football, and table tennis before giving out surprise gifts to the attendees.

Mr Spence said: "It’s really good to be here and help those less fortunate.

"Christmas is a special time of year when you’re young and it’s great we can put some smiles on faces.

"What the youth centre does is really important, keeping kids off the streets and providing them with positive activities – it brings the whole community together."

Cllr Ajda Ovat, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for communities, who represents Northumberland Park, said: "I’d like to thank the Spurs players for taking time out of their busy schedules to support our young people, as well as Tottenham Hotspur for their generous donations to the Local Buyers Club’s Winter Toy Appeal.

"With the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many families across Haringey, this kind act of generosity will mean so much to our young people."

As part of its wider Christmas community support programme, Tottenham Hotspur has also made foodbank donations and delivered hampers to hospital staff.

The club is also the inaugural sporting partner of the Multibank Christmas Campaign, with players, staff and fans donating essential products to help tackle hygiene poverty in the community.