Christian Burgess faces one of his sternest tests yet at Fratton Park on Monday (December 16).
The Pompey defender will be standing in front of the Fratton End, but rather than stopping opposition forwards, he will be reading from When the Grinch Stole Christmas.
That is because Burgess and other Blues players are attending the Pompey Christmas Sing-a-long – an exciting venture between the award-winning Pompey in the Community scheme and St James’ Church, Milton and its pioneering Choir Church initiative, with an evening of seasonal songs, carols and readings for all the family.
Everyone is welcome to join Burgess in the Fratton End from 7pm on Monday for some festive fun.
Burgess said: "This will be a great evening. I’m really looking forward to meeting hundreds of young people from across Pompey – although I’ll be more nervous reading in front of them than I normally am playing in front of them."
Clare Martin, director of Pompey in the Community, added: "Pompey is at the heart of our community, so we’re delighted to work with Choir Church to share some Christmas spirit with our community."
Ally Ross, who leads the Choir Church Project at St James’ Church, said: "Choir Church is all about getting into the community, serving it and seeing what brilliant things happen.
"The Pompey Christmas Sing-a-long is going to be a really brilliant thing. Everyone is welcome to join in the festive fun – and sing their hearts out from the Fratton End.”