COLERAINE FC were delighted to welcome 19-year-old Riley Hutchinson to the club recently for a special visit that brought smiles all round…
Riley, who has additional needs and attends Sandelford School in the town, spent time at The Showgrounds enjoying lunch with the first-team squad and management staff.
During his visit, Riley had the opportunity to chat with players and coaches, ask questions about life at the club, and take photos to mark the occasion.
The players and staff made Riley feel right at home by taking time out of their day to get to know him, his grandfather Carson, and mum Kirsty and share a memorable experience together.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Kirsty said: “My partner took Riley to his first game last year and now he has a season ticket and barely misses a game home or away.
“It was especially lovely for us as we have a wee brick on the Friends of Coleraine wall outside dedicated to Riley’s baby brother, George Evans, who passed away in 2018.
“It was all arranged through Michael Dougherty and it’s great now that Riley has a hobby as he’s autistic and his love for Coleraine FC has given him a new lease of life.
“Riley didn’t show too much emotion when he was there but when he came home, I’ve never seen him as hyper and excited. He had such a brilliant day and took it all in his stride.
“Everyone at the club was brilliant with him, especially the players, and it was so lovely to see that.”
We would like to thank Riley and his family for their visit and hope that it is a day that they will remember fondly.