We celebrated the big ‘5’ this month, a ‘big’ milestone for my ‘big’ (little) boy Jackson. He is currently loving his football and my Wednesday nights are now football nights and despite wind, rain and cold he seems to be enjoying it…me too obviously!
He was thrilled when I told him that we had been asked to try out a Premiership party at Goals Doncaster! We had our party on a Saturday morning 11-1pm and it included the following:
The level of customer service from Goals was great from start to finish. I received my digital invite and details of food choices by email on booking the party. I then got an email and phone call to follow up on numbers and food choices a week before the party. We had a couple of guests with allergies, therefore Goals confirmed that they could provide a Gluten free option too.
What struck me in the week up to the party was that I literally had nothing to think about, other than having sent out invites. They were even providing the cake! No Stress = Happy Mum!
When we arrived for the party, it was easy too. The party hosts Josh and Abbie took over. Jackson was made to feel very special, he loved walking in to see the table and posters on the wall with his name on! I’ll note at this point that the Dad’s were very happy too as there is a fully stocked bar! Ten out of ten so far!
Coach Abbie took the children outside and had them hanging on every word. They all got stuck in to the football despite the rain (and hail at one point)! They earned a drink at half time and again, it was all organised so well by the Goals team. Everything was where it needed to be…you can tell that they have done this a few times and generally know kids and what they need and when!
When it came to party food time, they were all starving. The Pizza and Chicken Strips that we had ordered were great – also taste tested by some of the adults, who gave it all a big thumbs up and said it was delicious. Abbie had taken care to ask me which children needed the gluten free option and they were given a separate pizza and chicken strips which were just as tasty.
Whilst the children were eating, our host Abbie also went around the whole table and asked each of Jackson’s guests to sign a football for him to take home. I thought that this was a lovely touch! Abbie was so patient with every child, even though some were only just 4 and only just learning to write. She let them make their mark and then wrote their name above it. Jackson got this ball to keep and he is so proud of it.
After party food, the kids were invited for a ‘Team Talk’ and conspired with Abbie to get the mums and dads engaged for a match – kids vs adults! This was actually a highlight of the party for a lot of the parents. Jackson chose me as team captain for the adults, probably not the wisest choice but a position I was happy to take. Our main striker was in heels and one of our strongest players in goal, it was a LOT of fun! The kids absolutely loved it and by no means had an easy ride – we had some competitive mums and dads in our team. The kids eventually got the winning goal and then enjoyed some penalty shoot outs.
All in all the part was brilliant from start to finish. Goals had thought of everything to make the experience as easy for the parents and as enjoyable for the kids, whatever age they might be. We had children aged 4 to 10 at Jackson’s party and everyone enjoyed it equally.
So how much is a Goals party?
A Premiership party package, such as the one we enjoyed is £199.00 is for 10 children. A Championship party package is available too which is £125 covering 2 hours of football and party food. Additional children can be added at £12 per head (Championship package) or £16 per head (Premiership package).
Find out more on the Goals website
As the premiership party covers everything, including the cake and party bags (drawstring bootbag, with a beach ball, crayons, activity book, birthday cake) I think that it is good value. Often when booking a venue, party food, entertainer etc for parties it can all add up to more than this. All children got a medal too, presented in a ceremony by Jackson at the end of the party, plus there were lots of extra little touches to make it special, such as the signed football. Our host Abbie really made the party as well, she was great. Although there was another party booked in after us, it didn’t seem rushed at all. Overall, I genuinely gave it 10 out of 10 and more than one child at the party said they wanted a party there in the future, which I think is a good sign!
Please note: Our party was kindly provided complimentary (I know, tough job but someone’s got to do it!) However, no amount of football, pizza and chicken strips would ever be enough for me to write a dishonest review. Therefore reviews contain my honest views and opinions and always will.
