Participants on the Community Sports Foundation’s Extra Time programme were treated to two special guest speakers at their weekly social catchup on Wednesday afternoon.
Norwich City FC keeper Michael McGovern and Mick Dennis, Foundation trustee and retired sports journalist, spoke about their experiences during lockdown and the importance of staying connected, before sharing some fascinating insights into their respective careers.
Michael McGovern discussed how he and the Club have fared over the lockdown, his experiences on the pitch this season, and the disappointment of his recent injury.
He also stressed the importance of staying connected with friends and family over this time, and picking up the phone to re-connect with someone you may have lost contact with.
Mick reminisced about his career covering football for the local and national press, with anecdotes on Brian Clough, Delia Smith, and his experiences at World Cups across the globe.
He spoke about the adjustments he’s made as a City and football fan over lockdown, and what not being able to follow the team home and away this season has meant for him and his wife.
The pair took questions from the Extra Time participants, and also heard about some of the participants’ own lockdown experiences.
The session was run as part of the EFL’s national ‘Team Talk’ campaign. The campaign was launched by the EFL and its 72 clubs back in December, in an effort to urge supporters to talk and stay connected throughout the Christmas and January period and keep the conversation around mental health going.
Aimed at over-55s, the Foundation’s Extra Time sessions, which are running remotely over lockdown, consist of a fitness instructor-led sports session in the morning, followed by a social session in the afternoon.
Kev Wilkinson, who attended the session, said he “[felt] really fortunate to have been part of it.”
He continued: “Michael McGovern and Mick Dennis were spellbinding, giving us privileged insights into various areas of the game and club.”
The sessions are currently free, with new members welcomed. Find out more about Extra Time here.