Family, Fun, and Football with Gary Cahill
Chris Evans, host of the Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, recently shared his Football Escapes experience live on air – and it was nothing short of incredible. From watching his son and nephew take part in expert-led coaching to playing in the legendary Dads’ Match against former England and Chelsea star Gary Cahill, Chris described the trip as a flawless mix of football, fun, and family memories.
Chris Evans on His Football Escapes Experience: Family, Fun, and Football with Gary Cahill
Chris Evans, host of the Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, recently shared his Football Escapes experience live on air – and it was nothing short of incredible. From watching his son and nephew take part in expert-led coaching to playing in the legendary Dads’ Match against former England and Chelsea star Gary Cahill, Chris described the trip as a flawless mix of football, fun, and family memories.
The Perfect Football Holiday for Kids
Chris’s son Walt and his nephew Teddy joined Football Escapes for a week of football coaching, and from the start, it was clear that everything was designed to be as fun, engaging, and inspiring as possible.
From the personalised Nike kits with names printed on the back to the energetic and enthusiastic UEFA-licensed coaches, every detail had been thought through to create an unforgettable experience.
“They did it with fun. They did it with energy. They did it with enthusiasm. They just got it all right.” – Chris Evans
Each morning, the kids trained from 10 AM to 12 PM across eight pitches, all wearing their official Football Escapes kits. Every day ended with a learning recap, where kids were asked what they had learned, rewarding them for their efforts and reinforcing valuable football and life lessons.
And then there was the Joke of the Day competition – because what’s football without a few laughs? Chris recalled a couple of the kids’ favourites:
“What do you call a footballer with no shins? Tony.”
“Why was the Italian footballer so good? Because he had a rubber toe… Roberto!”
Football, laughter, and unforgettable moments – the magic of Football Escapes in a nutshell.
The Legendary Dads’ Match
One of the highlights of Football Escapes is the Dads’ Match, where the parents get a taste of the action, playing alongside Premier League legends. Chris eagerly signed up and found himself facing Gary Cahill, a man who played 60 times for England and lifted the Champions League trophy with Chelsea.
Chris described the match as “brilliantly, joyously pathetic” – with dads from their twenties through to their fifties battling it out in 13-a-side chaos, with the usual awkward reluctance to play in goal and substitutes who never wanted to come off the pitch.
But the real moment of magic came when Chris found himself defending a corner… against Gary Cahill.
“Gary’s team get a corner. The ball comes in perfectly. I’m defending. Gary Cahill—an express train of a man—comes charging towards me, laughing. As he leaps into the air, he looks down at me and says, ‘I don’t miss these.’ And then, boom—he heads it into the back of the net. It was hilarious!”
For Chris, the match wasn’t just about football – it was about the unique, surreal, and hilarious moments that only a Football Escapes experience can bring.
The Ultimate Family Football Holiday
Chris’s experience highlights exactly what makes Football Escapes so special. It’s not just about football – it’s about creating an unforgettable family holiday.
From world-class coaching and inspiring football legends to laughter-filled experiences both on and off the pitch, Football Escapes brings together football, fun, and family memories that last a lifetime.
“They’ve nailed it. You know one of those ones?” – Chris Evans
If you’re looking for the perfect family holiday where your kids can train with footballing legends, meet new friends, and grow in confidence, all while staying in luxurious resorts – Football Escapes is the place to be.
Ready to experience the magic for yourself?
Find out more about upcoming Football Escapes holidays.
