My son turned 10 this weekend and we booked a UV glow football party for 15 boys. It was his first proper birthday party since he was 3, so it felt like quite a big milestone.
Before booking, I repeatedly called and emailed the company to confirm exactly what would be provided. I was told there would be a neon football, glow bibs, UV equipment and that the hall would be properly marked out. We were specifically told the children should wear dark clothing for the glow-in-the-dark experience.
I was also told the coach would need 45 minutes to an hour to set up, so I paid for additional hall hire.
On the day, the coach arrived with two UV lights, two football goals and some rubber markers. There was no neon football, no glow bibs and the setup took about 10 minutes. After 15 mins the kids wanted the lights on because they couldn’t see the ball.
We had paid for 45 minutes of dodgeball and 45 minutes of football. The dodgeball never happened. I was told the company had forgotten to pack the equipment, while my husband was told it had been stolen from the coach’s van.
The coach seemed completely overwhelmed by a group of 15 ten-year-old boys. There was very little structure to the activities and it was mostly the children making up their own games. Parents had to prompt drink breaks and a few children later reported feeling sick or unwell. When one child was injured, there didn’t appear to be a first aid kit available - which is shocking for a sports coach from a sports company?!
The football itself wasn’t really organised. At times it was just 15 children chasing one ball around the hall, which inevitably led to frustration and arguments.
The thing that is confusing me is that despite all of this, the children actually had a brilliant time. They made up their own games, played bulldog, organised their own mini football matches and generally had a great laugh together. My son came home happy and said he loved his party.
So I’m left feeling quite conflicted. On one hand, the kids had fun and my son enjoyed himself. On the other hand, I spent most of the party stressed, managing issues, questioning safety, and feeling like the service delivered was nothing like what was advertised.
I’ve complained to the company and reported my concerns to Citizens Advice.
AIBU to think this goes beyond simply a disappointing party and into genuinely poor and potentially unsafe delivery of a children’s event?
I am furious and I was really worried about the safety of the children so I intervened and did a few games myself, (Ex primary teacher)
I researched this company very well. They partner with goals to do events, they have great reviews with photos, an active instagram with weekly postings about events taking place.
AIBU to think this goes beyond simply a disappointing party and into genuinely poor and potentially unsafe delivery of a children’s event?