Leeds United summer signing lights up as Ethan Ampadu shares unscripted moment in special festive visit

Leeds United's annual Christmas visit to Leeds Children's Hospital was not without its traditional unscripted moments.

Ethan Ampadu led a squad of senior players on a trip to deliver presents, sign autographs and pose for photographs with youngsters spending the festive period in hospital, their families and staff members on the wards. Ampadu introduced himself, Sam Byram and Joe Rodon to one youngster who asked how they felt after beating Chelsea, then promptly informed the trio that he was shocked by the result. "I think we were as well," laughed Ampadu.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin took the opportunity to get a laugh at the expense of team-mate James Justin, discussing football positions with a pair of youngsters and pointing out that the left-back started as a striker and had to drop further back.

As much as it is a treat for kids who miss out on some of the festivities at school or at home, the players evidently get a lot from it too. Brenden Aaronson spoke of how much he looks forward to it and his appreciation for the staff. Noah Okafor's face lit up as he held aloft a tiny baby. "We know Christmas is coming, they're going through a difficult time and it's not easy to stay in hospital so we want to give them some positivity, put a smile on their face," he said. "It's a small gift but for me really important because we were all kids. When they have surgery or have some problems it's not easy. We give them positive energy and with the gifts make them happy."

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Gabriel Gudmundsson was another who enjoyed spending time with the youngsters, even with their direct lines of questioning.

"A good experience," he said. "It's always nice to see the kids there, obviously being part of Leeds United you know how big the club is and how big an effect they have on people and coming there to see not only the kids, but parents smiling. It's a nice thing. It's a very important thing to do as a player and to see the parents and the family being together now and during this time is a good thing. It's an important part of football, obviously we're big players and in the lights and children know who you are, so you're coming to give them a bit more energy during the tough period. It's a good thing.

"They want to ask if I scored goals, which doesn't happen often, but you talk about if they play as well and have a good conversation."

Gudmundsson was one of seven summer signings who visited the hospital. He's had several months to get to know the Leeds United fanbase and more recently experienced Elland Road at its very best, so community events are a chance to give something back.

"One word, unbelievable," he said. "To be honest, I have been playing in Lille, and I think there, as well, was such a great atmosphere but I think Leeds United fans have a bit more togetherness. The atmosphere that they bring on the pitch, all the games, away games, is such a nice feeling as a player, you know, they give a little bit extra percentage that you need to push to win the games to get some points.

"I can just look at myself when I was a kid, you know, at school and whatever, always when you get visits from footballers, it's a big thing. You get excited for the whole day, the whole family, coming home, eating dinner with the family, and talking about the day. So I mean, it's a great honour to be part of doing this kind of stuff, and I have the privilege to do that."