Paris Saint-Germain’s players visit the young patients at the Necker Hospital for Sick Children

The Parisian club’s visit to the hospital was an opportunity to renew the partnership between the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation and the Necker Hospital for Sick Children, which was first signed in 2012. Jean-Claude Blanc, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Paris Saint-Germain, and Maya Vilayleck, Director of the Necker Hospital for Sick Children, signed an agreement that will run until December 2022. Every year, Paris Saint-Germain’s men’s football, women’s football and handball teams will continue to visit the young patients in this Parisian teaching hospital, to treat them to a memorable experience.

Over the years, these visits have become an annual ritual that both the children and the players look forward to. The players’ visits allow the children to escape from their daily routine and enjoy a magical afternoon with their idols. Accompanied by Jean-Claude Blanc, the players and their coach, Thomas Tuchel, went into the hospital bedrooms to meet the young patients, chat to them and give them some presents.

These visits mean a lot to the players. Team captain Thiago Silva explained, “It’s a special day for us, I’m really happy to be here. It’s an exceptional experience for the children, some of them don’t even know when they’ll get out of hospital. You realise how strong they are and it makes you think and puts your own situation into perspective. These visits mean a lot to us and affect us deeply.”

The Director of the Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Maya Vilayleck, added, “For the Necker Hospital for Sick Children, it is a unique moment and creates unforgettable memories for the children who are in hospital at Christmas. We can see it on their faces, they’re really happy. The Paris Saint-Germain Foundation provides us with valuable support by organising these visits and inviting our patients to matches. It enables the children to get away from it all and meet their idols, and brings a bit of joy to their time in hospital.”

Sabrina Delannoy, Deputy Manager of the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation, said, “Today was a day full of emotion and memories for the children. These visits provide great comfort, as the players meet the children’s families and learn about each child’s unique story. Having been a player, a coach and now as deputy manager of the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation, I have an objective view that allows me to see the impact that these visits have on both the children and the players.”

Yet another successful operation for the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation, which provides support to around 20,000 children every season through its various programmes. In January, it will be the Paris Saint-Germain handball team’s turn to pay a visit to the young patients at the Necker Hospital for Sick Children.