Young football fanatics were out in force as their football heroes attended a children’s hospice.

Albion players attended Chestnut Tree House near Arundel on Thursday 12 December as they lit up the children’s hospice with some “festive cheer”. 

Dejana Stefanovic from the women’s team, men’s team captain Lewis Dunk, and goalkeeper Jason Steele visited the hospice, accompanied by the team’s mascot, Gully.

The arrival of the players was met with “roars and shrieks of excitement which would give the AMEX stadium a run for its money on any match day”.

Jacob and his family are being supported by Chestnut Tree House. His mum Loz said: “Jacob has recently spent 18 weeks in hospital, and he started writing a bucket list of things he wanted to do. Going to a football match or playing football was top of his list.

“He has ticked that off now and he’s had so much fun! This is better than we could have imagined.” 

The hospice was fully equipped to ensure every child could take part in a game. Whether it was playing on a pitch projected on to the floor, a game of FIFA, a board game, or flipping through football magazines, everyone could join in.

Activities team leader Jack Northeast said: "For lots of children and young people living with life-shortening conditions, it's not easy to do everyday things like go to a football match. But creating special events like this - bringing the football to them - is just incredible.”

Jacob, who uses a mobility chair, played football with Jason Steele, using a giant football on the projected pitch. He won 1-0.

The three players spent over three hours talking to children, families and siblings.

Lewis Dunk said: “It’s amazing, the staff are amazing. Every room’s got a purpose, a hoist in every room, accessible for everyone. It’s even got a swimming pool. It’s got everything here!”

Jason Steele said: “It’s amazing, it’s absolutely fantastic to come down and meet all the children…It’s an amazing place in general, this is my second year coming here and I really enjoy coming, the staff are amazing, the kids are full of energy. To come here and put some smiles on people’s faces means more than anything.”