THE Academy will once again make donations to local charity Derek’s Tree after the Young Brewers brought in gifts at this week’s ‘Christmas jumper training’.
Various Academy age groups dressed up in their best festive knitwear at training last night and brought in gifts to be donated to charity later this week, as players from the under 11s side will take the presents into Coopers Square shopping centre in Burton to donate presents to Derek’s Tree on Friday.
Last year, the Academy donated more than 50 gifts to the charity, with members of the under 18s side meeting with the charity’s creator, Derek Liddle. Last year was their biggest in terms of donations, with around 4000 gifts being donated.
Due to the sheer volume of gift donations, the Academy will also be giving presents to the Harvey Girls charity, which is run by the East Staffordshire Family Support Service and offers local support for young parents.
Academy Coach Shaun Barker, who was working with the Young Brewers during the session, said: “Burton Albion as a club is giving these players who are very privileged the chance to open their eyes a little bit.
“I know that when I was a kid, I was guilty of always expecting around Christmas time and not realising how important it is or how many children and families don’t have the same privileges that we do.
“Not only is it a great thing for the club to support, but it teaches these players, even at this young age, the importance of sharing and what Christmas can be about.
“It is a time to celebrate for everyone. To feel like anyone missing out and not having the same opportunities that we are, this just highlights that. This is a great gesture from the club and it has gone really well in the last couple of years.”
Under 12s player Sam Tomlinson said: “we want everybody to feel how we feel, We want to give people a nicer Christmas. We all get presents and the people that they (Derek’s Tree) help should be able to have presents like us. It is a very good gesture and we want everyone to have a good Christmas and to enjoy their gifts.”