AFCB

Community

Nathan Ake inspires deaf youngsters at Vitality

AFC Bournemouth star Nathan Ake was recently on hand to greet the 21 participants from Dorset Deaf Children’s Society (DDCS) and helped welcome them for their time with the Cherries.

The DDCS members joined Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust at the Vitality Stadium for a tour of the club’s home and made the most of a special coaching session.

After going behind the scenes to see the changing rooms, tunnel and pitch side at the stadium Ake was ready to say hello.

The participants spoke to the defender about what it was like to be a Premier League player and his hopes for the season with Bournemouth - and before he left Ake signed photos and footballs that the children took away with them.

Following on from meeting Ake the players made their way to the 3G pitches next to the stadium and took part in a coaching session followed by an exciting mini tournament.

Disability inclusion officer Hannah Powis said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people from Dorset Deaf Children’s Society and from across the area come to take part in the session.”

Head of Community Steve Cuss commented: “We are very grateful to Nathan Ake for taking the time to welcome the children to Vitality Stadium.”

“It is always a special moment when groups and individuals get to meet the players and be able to ask them questions on AFC Bournemouth and life as a professional footballer.”