Summer Fun In The Sun For King Power Family In Leuven
City’s first-ever trip to King Power At Den Dreef Stadion has been years in the making for both clubs – each eager to tighten the bonds which exist between the pair. While supporters were treated to an entertaining six-goal draw on the day, it was an occasion which is likely to live long in the memory of those in attendance.
Belgium is one of several countries affected by the same heatwave which is baking the UK, although both Leicester’s players – fresh from a pre-season camp in Évian, France – and Foxes fans travelling from the East Midlands will have gratefully noticed slightly cooler conditions upon arrival in Leuven.
A busy weekend began on Friday evening for Brendan Rodgers and some of his Foxes squad as they attended the official opening of a community-funded sports pitch in the east of the city. The next morning, the festivities continued with a special ‘Fan Day’ laid on by OH Leuven ahead of kick-off.
Filbert Fox and Lionel The Chipmunk were there to greet fans upon arrival, while there was also live entertainment – including appearances on stage by LCFC icons Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh.
Walsh said: “It's been a wonderful occasion - it's a real privilege to be here. It's great to see that link between OH Leuven and Leicester City and how that King Power family works together. The sun's shining and everyone's in a good mood. It's a great day.”
Supporters of all ages, whether in OHL white or Leicester blue, were able to mingle in the build-up to a clash, which was designed to be a celebration both of OH Leuven’s 20th birthday and of the club’s five years under King Power ownership.
Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Chairman of both clubs, was there to share the experience too – taking time out to meet up with fans of each side in the fan park before the game got underway.
After receiving a gift from OHL to mark King Power’s five years in Leuven, and wishing both sides good luck in the changing rooms, Khun Top then took his seat alongside a large crowd.
Moments of magic from the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy lit up the occasion under deep blue skies in Leuven. As those skies darkened into the night, the party continued for OHL and Leicester supporters, many of whom may have only met for the first time earlier in the day.
Elliott said: “It was a fantastic game fitting of the occasion. It's easy for pre-season friendlies to be low-key affairs sometimes, with not many goals, but today was totally different. The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant and it's been great to see the OHL and Leicester City fans get to share the day together ahead of what we hope will be a successful season for both teams.”
The live music and meet-and-greet opportunities went on at Den Dreef and in Leuven’s picturesque town centre as an unforgettable weekend came to a close.
While the match enabled both OHL and Leicester City’s squads to take another valuable step towards full fitness, the King Power family has some more special memories to cherish too.