5 football-crazy young carers were invited to a very special day at CTFC thanks to our charity partners Optimising IT. The day started with a unique and very exciting chance to interview superstar players Charlie Raglan and Charlie Brown who were fantastic at putting the slightly nervous and starstruck young carers at ease. Next followed a yummy lunch of burger and chips to fuel everyone up for watching the big match against Exeter FC and of course the young carers debut on pitch for the crossbar challenge at half time! It was an absolutely brilliant day and one young carer said “ it was one of the best experiences of my life”. We cannot thank Geoff Smith from Optimising IT and Nick Elliott from CTFC for making this dream come true for 5 amazing young people who truly deserved a great day out.

"Before Gloucester Young Carers became our Charity of the year at Optimising  IT 9 months ago I knew little about them.  To support a charity you have to get the know them and the support they provide. Having become more personally involved I have seen first-hand the significant difference GYCs support can make to young carers and their families. The positive outcomes it enables are truly unique.  Working with Nick Elliot at CTFC and Sally Gillespie we harnessed a sponsorship from the benefit Optimising IT had with the club to provide a unique experience for a small group of young carers.  Seeing their initial nervousness become confidence and happiness as the day's events unfolded was only topped by the feedback from one young cared "It was one of the best experiences of my life". Truly heart-warming and humbling and just one of many reasons why individually and as part of Optimising IT our support for this amazing charity will continue for a second year.”

Geoff Smith
Chairman
Optimising IT and Gloucester Brewery.