James Berry, Dilan Markanday and Connor Cook were in attendance at the Trust’s recent Buddy Buddy meeting – a monthly get together for veterans at the HUB.
James Berry expressed his thoughts after going to the group, saying: “I think it’s just good for us players and the veterans.
“I’d like to say first and foremost that it was a great thing to do for ourselves and the group members.
“They deserve the utmost respect – they serve, and have served, our country.
“To go down to the group and see them and listen to their stories and they want to listen to our stories, it was just good to share each other’s experiences and different parts of life.
“Ours is in football and theirs is in a combat setting, it was good to exchange stories and get to know them.”
On the importance of players engaging with groups within the community, James said: “Those in attendance were buzzing. I think it’s good for us lads to take time out to go and hear them.
“I know myself and all the other lads really enjoyed it and we’d do it anytime – it was a really good thing to do and it was interesting as well, it opened your eyes up to a lot of things.
“Some of them are fans too and they’re really interested in the players’ lives and stuff like that, so it was a really positive thing to do and if there’s anymore, I’m sure myself and all the lads would do it again.”
After engaging with those within the local community, some of whom are fans, James added: “It’s unbelievable. I’m a Wigan fan, but I’m nowhere near as big (of a fan) as some of these Spireites fans.
“They live and breathe the football club and it’s really good to see and their weekend depends on our results, really.
“It gives us that added bit of pressure and now we get to meet these people. You’re playing for real football fans who know nothing but the club.
“It’s really positive because it gives you the perspective of the fans as well.”
For more information on Buddy Buddy meetings, please email: olibarnes@spireitestrust.org.uk