What every Premier League club is doing with no football? We’ve taken a look and rounded-up how they are keeping busy for several weeks.
Recent times have seen teams do a huge amount, like making donations, offer their help to the NHS, take part in the #StayAtHomeChallenge, play various games, play back classic matches and of course take part in the Ultimate QuaranTeam.
Arsenal
The club have been in self-isolation since Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was the first Premier League manager to test positive for coronavirus and had been scheduled to return to training following a 14-day period.
However, the club have said: “Our men’s first team players were scheduled to return to training on Tuesday after completing 14 days isolation following Mikel Arteta’s positive diagnosis for the virus.
“As a result of the current situation we are clear it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to ask players to come back at this time. Therefore our men’s first team, women and academy players are all remaining at home. Stay at home and save lives.”
In the meantime, the club have been showing their support to their local community by offering help to the vulnerable in and around Islington.
Much loved mascot Gunnersaurus has been keeping their social media followers updates, but uploaded photos of him ironing, gardening and watching Bargain Hunt.
Aston Villa
After Villa had their home match against Chelsea called off, the club donated 1,000 packed lunches intended for the matchday to charity. They have also took part in UltimateQuaranteam, played quizzes and challenged fans to #GardenGoals.
The Villa Women’s team took on their Bayer Leverkusen counterparts in a social media game of connect four.
???
Can anyone beat that time? ?#AVFC https://t.co/tggE2yDzQ9
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 26, 2020
Brighton
The Seagulls have called their elderly supporters as a way of keeping them company during the tough times, saying ‘kindness costs nothing’.
CEO Paul Barber told talkSPORT: “In some cases it’s just about having a chat with them.
“If they’re isolated at home and not getting out, it can get pretty lonely, so our staff are starting to do that from today. Hopefully that will lift a few spirits and keep the community feeling okay during this difficult time.
“We’ve seen community spirit increasing, people are being kind to each other, looking out for each other and doing what they can.
“And I think people are respecting the fact that the football industry are making sure they get their priorities right at the moment.”
Albion have also started a campaign to make 100,000 free tickets available to NHS workers across professional football.
100,000 tickets for NHS workers. Brighton kick-off a scheme to honour healthcare staff. Bournemouth have joined in and will pass the baton on https://t.co/bL91gjJd6v
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) March 25, 2020
Bournemouth
The Cherries are looking into a ticket initiative for key workers.
One of Bournemouth’s food suppliers has extended its delivery service to households during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Nathan Ake has provided advice of how to stay busy during the football lockdown. The defender took to social media to go through his daily routine and how fans can do the same.
Other players of old and current have also urged fans to stay safe.
I’ll be on the end of the phone, if you are struggling do not hesitate to get in contact with the club. These are the times everyone has to look after each other in any ways possible ? https://t.co/vGOhFpVmzW
— Steve Cook (@SteveCook28) March 23, 2020
Burnley
The Clarets are supporting a foodbank in Burnley with the players making a collective cash donation, and the club matching the donation.
The club have confirmed that their squad will remain on individual fitness programmes until at least April 6, adding: “Please stay safe with your loved ones.”
They have also been doing a ‘Back to the Fixture’, posting updates from classic matches on Twitter, and taken part in UltimateQuarenteam.
Burnley confirm that it will continue to pay all matchday and non-matchday casual workers during the current football season.
Nick Pope gave a guide to washing hands…
Safe Hands! Make 20 seconds count like Clarets keeper and @England international @Popey1992 and wash your hands for the full 20 seconds. For more information: https://t.co/CcS9uXEsIP#nhshandwashchallenge #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/BVbhcEnbZ8
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) March 26, 2020
Chelsea
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich also showed his generosity by covering costs for NHS staff working in the region to stay at the Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge.
A club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club is joining the medical response to the coronavirus outbreak in London with the news the National Health Service (NHS) has accepted the Club’s offer to make the Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available for NHS staff.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi was the first Premier League player to test positive for the virus and revealed recently: “I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon.”
Mason Mount gave his Netflix recommendations, Pulisic is entertaining fans with a dance on TikTok and the club made classic matches, such as the 1998 Super Cup win over Real Madrid available to watch on their app.
Chelsea Foundation’s entrepreneur and start-up programmes will continue via a digital classroom to ensure young people and adult learners can still access our qualifications
Need something to watch? ?
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 26, 2020
Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha has offered his support to NHS staff by offering to open up 50 properties in the capital to healthcare workers who are battling the virus – free of charge.
Zaha is the co-owner of ZO Properties, which has a portfolio of rental accommodation usually offered to business travellers, with properties in Notting Hill, Shoreditch and Aldgate.
Andros Townsend represented the club at UltimateTeam but being knocked out.
The club also released season reviews from four unforgettable campaigns in the club's history!
You can watch them for just £1 at http://eagles.cpfc.co.uk and all proceeds going to Palace for Life Foundation.
Fans have been sending in their free colour-your-own Selhurst posters!
Thanks to @Peter_Judson for sending in these free colour-your-own Selhurst posters!
Download and print ? https://t.co/MiqADPcVc2#CPFC | #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/T8yK9Z8FbJ
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 26, 2020
Everton
Andre Gomes kept fans entertained with a recreation of the Tom Hanks film ‘Cast Away’ while in isolation.
The Toffees have launched a campaign called ‘Blue Family’ which will offer mental health support and advice to those in need.
Staff and players like Duncan Ferguson and Moise Kean made personal phone calls to fans to wish them a happy Mother’s Day.
Leicester
Several Leicester stars have showed their skills in the #StayAtHomeChallenge.
The Foxes are working closely with local schools for vulnerable young people and children of key workers.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also made a personal £20,000 donation to Age UK to help out amid the crisis.
This from @BenChilwell ?#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/Aake6thSLb
— Leicester City (@LCFC) March 25, 2020
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp wrote and sent a letter to Reds fans saying: “Please look after yourselves and look out for each other. You’ll Never Walk Alone,.”
Sadio Mane made a donation to help the fight against coronavirus in his home country of Senegal.
Liverpool also teamed up with Everton to set up ‘Fans Supporting Foodbanks’ to help get supplies to poverty-stricken areas in Merseyside.
Liverpool’s stewards have also stepped in to provide aid by volunteering to help with crowd control and assisting the elderly during their trips to supermarkets.
Social media videos from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner have gone viral as well.
Manchester City
City were one of the first English teams to have games postponed due to coronavirus, that was against Arsenal on the 11th of March, which then started a domino effect for the rest of the leagues in the country.
They have since joined Manchester United in donating a combined £100,000 to help local food banks.
The club have posted a series of ‘Screen shot colour-ins’ on social media so young fans can show off their art skills.
We could go on and on about what City are doing to keep fans entertained, but we’d be here all day, so best to check out their social media pages.
Greetings from Anna, 8years, from Finland @KapylaUnited pic.twitter.com/vCJYAfdGKT
— Susanna Maakannas (@susannamaakanna) March 23, 2020
Manchester United
As well as their work with City, United will continue to pay casual matchday staff if the remainder of the season is cancelled or played behind closed doors.
Old Trafford is due to host four more Premier League games if the campaign resumes, with more than 3,000 matchday staff due around £1m in wages.
United legend Gary Neville has also made an incredible gesture to NHS staff by allowing them to stay at his two Manchester hotels free of charge.
The club have also showed old matches on their app, set up a #HomeTopBinChallenge, created polls as well as interviewed old and current players.
A message to our fans. pic.twitter.com/7KYceqYOJj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 24, 2020
Newcastle
Newcastle have donated 1,200 pies meant for their match against Sheffield United to a foodbank.
They have been part of Leyton Orient’s ‘Ultimate QuaranTeam’ FIFA tournament which is looking to raise funds amid the pandemic. Newcastle beat Gillingham 3-0 in their first round tie and won 1-0 against Nantes in the second.
On Saturday at 3pm they will be showing the full 90 minutes of their memorable 5-0 win over Manchester United from October 1996.
Legend Bob Moncur and a number of club staff are taking time to phone elderly and vulnerable supporters who face an extended period of self isolation.
? #NUFC legend Bob Moncur and a number of club staff are taking time to phone elderly and vulnerable supporters who face an extended period of self isolation.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 26, 2020
Norwich
The club have put a postcard on social media that can be printed out and posted through letterboxes to support the elderly and vulnerable.
TV presenter and massive Canaries fan Jake Humphrey has tried to keep up spirits with a string of messages.
The club are also in the UltimateQuaranteam competition, their latest win coming against Stevenage, the player being Todd Cantwell!
They’ve done quizzes, spoke with former players on their memories and added videos onto various platforms to prevent fans from being bored.
? Need some Norwich City content to fill your quarantine routine?
We've got you covered! ?
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) March 24, 2020
Sheffield United
The Blades have spread awareness that Hallam FM Cash for Kids launched an urgent new appeal to help those families in South Yorkshire who need it most.
They have taken part in UltimateQuaranteam, where they’re hoping to reach the third round, revisited many past matches, had a ‘kit cup’ and checked in with their first team players to see how they were doing under lockdown, but also how they were keeping fit.
On average, 1 person with COVID-19 will pass it to 3 other people.
If this happens 9️⃣ times, a total of 19,683 people will be infected.
Stay at home. Help the NHS. Save lives. pic.twitter.com/tEDeYHnqBE
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) March 24, 2020
Southampton
Southampton have played Spot the Difference, held quizzes and shown classic games on their social media feeds.
The Saints Foundation have also shared tips for simple exercises on their website.
They’ve spoke with Kyle Walker-Peters on his new surroundings, and reflected on Kelvin Davis’s career (clcik the tweet to see a video).
Good times, right #SaintsFC fans? ? pic.twitter.com/8BLQPr2De4
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 23, 2020
Tottenham
Toby Alderweireld has donated electronic tablets to hospitals and nursing homes, saying: “I hope everyone is following the government measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“The virus creates many needs, especially the lack of personal contact. The people who are sick can’t see their friends and family.
“My plan is to buy dozens of tablets to give to the hospitals and nursing homes so people can video chat with their loved ones and friends to get through this tough period.
“I’m trying to get those tablets to the places where they can help.”
Harry Kane has said: “With schools shut and everyone staying home I’d like to set some youngsters the task of drawing the incredible NHS doctors, nurses, ambulances.
“Be as creative as you like! Post them using #ThankYouNHS and I’ll retweet/repost the best ones! #StayHomeSaveLives”
The club has also donated surplus food and drink, set up a virtual yoga session and video fitness tutorials and released a Spurs-themed educational pack for children.
Manager Jose Mourinho was spotted in Enfield packing and delivering essential goods to the elderly for Age UK.
Watford
Watford launched a ‘Hornets At Home’ initiative aimed at helping those who need it most.
Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster joined talkSPORT to reveal how he is keeping business, saying: “I’m watching a lot of Netflix, watching TV, reading random and weird stuff, anything to pass the time.
“I’m one for the classics. I’ve re-watched The Office this week for the 100th time, Entourage, I watched Castaway last night with the wife, I’ve watched a few Star Wars things – there’s plenty to keep up with!
“You’ve got to watch what you eat as well. When you’re bored and not feeling so great it’s so easy to just start picking at food and not really watching your diet, but you’ve got to be careful.
“We’re off until Friday now, so in the meantime it’s a case of doing as much gym work and strengthening as you can and I’m out on the bike as much as I can.
“You’ve just got to get your head down and get on with it.”
In the meantime, players have done Q&As on their social media platforms, asked fans to build an ultimate 5 a side Watford team, and showed classic match highlights.
The club have urged fans to take part in Thursday’s #ClapForOurCarers .
Tonight, 8pm.#ClapForOurCarers ?@WestHertsNHS ? pic.twitter.com/CuRC7Y8ya1
— Watford Football Club #StayHomeSaveLives (@WatfordFC) March 26, 2020
West Ham
West Ham have helped out local homeless shelters as well as making personal phone-calls to elderly fans.
Michail Antonio took on Tottenham’s Ryan Sessgnon in a game of FIFA in place of the London derby that would have taken place on Friday under normal circumstances.
The Spurs man won 2-0 much to the disappointment of Antonio who said: “ABSOLUTELY GUTTED!
“Was embarrassing out there today and I’m way better than that. The passing was off, shooting was bad and couldn’t tackle. I think it’s clear what’s happened………… my controller must have been broken. I’LL BE BACK. #FifaLondonDerby.”
At 6pm on Thursday, they will be streaming the full final match at the Boleyn Ground ‘live’ on their YouTube channel.
Mark Noble did a Q&A with fans, took part in UltimateQuaranteam, and launched #HammersAtHome (a new online community initiative offering support, assistance and regular interaction).
COME ON YOU IRONS! ⚒️
? A reminder that we will be streaming the full final match at the Boleyn 'live' on our YouTube channel at 6pm…
? You can also tune in on the West Ham United app on your iPhone or Android device.#FarewellBoleyn #ThrowbackThursday ⏮
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 26, 2020
Wolves
The club have also set up an initiative to help out the vulnerable called ‘Wolves at Home’.
They have also entertained fans with a string of ‘On The Spot’ interviews profiling their star players.
They’ve took part in UltimateQuaranteam, shared #StayAtHomeSaveLives messages from their footballers, quizzed fans, and most amazing of all, Wolves and its ownership group Fosun have donated 2,300 pieces of protective equipment to the city of Wolverhampton.
"Protecting our frontline health workers is to protect our club, families and our fans."
2,300 pieces of protective equipment have been donated to the city of Wolverhampton by @Fosun_Intl, and distributed by the @wwfcfoundation to local services.
— Wolves (@Wolves) March 21, 2020
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