Watch: Oliver Roberts tells the story behind heartwarming gesture
A Sheffield Eagles LDRL player was left bursting with joy after being treated to a new pair of boots by men’s first team star Ollie Roberts.
Ireland international Roberts helps out with the club’s LDRL training sessions on a Friday before his practice with the men’s senior side.
It was on a Friday night where he met Adam, who was a newcomer to rugby league.
“The Sheffield men’s first team and the LDRL train every Friday night,” Roberts told Love Rugby League.
“The LDRL team before us but there’s a bit of an overlap between our training. When I get there I make sure I get my boots on and join in with them.
“It’s nice for them to see a familiar face. I have a laugh with them and even tip them up on some things.
“Adam was new to it when I had started speaking to him. I noticed he had some leather shoes with a velcro strap over them. He was bright and so happy and such a nice guy, saying he had never played rugby before but he was absolutely loving it and that it was getting him out of the house.
“I said to him that if he kept on coming, that for Christmas I would treat him to a new pair of boots and he was just overwhelmed.
“I went and bought him a decent pair of boots. To be honest I just wanted to get him a quality pair of boots that he could train in. It was a well done to him for carrying on training.”
Ollie Roberts shares wholesome moment with Sheffield LDRL player
Roberts added: “He was really overwhelmed and after it he said they were miles better than his previous ones. He just couldn’t stop hugging me and thanking me.
“A little gesture from me is nothing. We should all be grateful for where we are.
“Mark (Aston, director of rugby) has got a massive philosophy that if you play for Sheffield or one of them teams that we are a family club. I’ll help out wherever I can and be a helping hand.”
Meanwhile, Adam will make his debut for the Sheffield Eagles LDRL team before the men’s team face Hull in a pre-season friendly on January 22.
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