A Sheffield family have enjoyed an exclusive behind the scenes experience, a visit from an Owls player to their house and signed memorabilia – just by entering a social media competition.
Becky Richardson from Rotherham entered a competition on Sheffield Wednesday’s official Instagram account earlier this year for midfielder Jose Semedo to visit their home during the summer. Then, to extend the prize, Wednesday invited the family to Hillsborough to meet Jose and the rest of the team before the Derby County game on Sunday.
Becky’s son Jay (9) got to meet all the Owls players in the dressing room before the match, take photos and get autographs. Jose took time to talk to all the family, show Jay around the dressing room and got his match shirt signed by all the team for the young Owl to take home.
Jose also presented a signed copy of his new book ‘Win the Day’ to the Richardson family with a personalised message inside.
Jay said: “I don't care if I don't get any presents for Christmas, today was worth a million presents! When Jose showed me around the changing rooms all the players smiled and shook my hand and made me feel really important. I feel like I’m friends with Jose now and I’ll never forget meeting him at my house and now at Hillsborough! I’ve already had the best Christmas ever!”
Jose said: “It was amazing to see Jay and his family visit me at Hillsborough and I loved showing them around the dressing room. I love our fans and it’s great to see families like Jay’s who love the club as much as I do. I gave Jay my shirt and got the whole team to sign it. I’m so glad he had a good day!”
Jose’s book is available online and in the Owls Megastore.