Dorset Care Home Residents Enjoy a VIP Football Experience at AFC Bournemouth
Around 40 Dorset care home residents took to the pitch at AFC Bournemouth’s Performance Centre for a VIP football experience filled with goals, cheers and friendly competition.
Residents and staff from Care South’s homes across Dorset took part in the VIP match day led by the team at AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust for Care South’s annual Walking Football tournament. Around 40 residents attended from different Care South homes including Castle Dene and Talbot View in Bournemouth, Elizabeth House and Marjorie House in Poole, St Ives House in Ringwood, Fern Brook Lodge in Gillingham, Maiden Castle House in Dorchester and Buxton House in Weymouth.
They were joined on the day by teams from AFC Bournemouth’s Under 18’s, as well as the women’s over 50s and men’s over 50s sides, who also took part in some friendly matches against the residents.
Care South is proud to partner with AFC Bournemouth, which gives residents and staff access to a range of activities. These include player meets and weekly seated football sessions in the care homes, as well as coffee mornings and tours of Vitality Stadium.
Bob, who lives at St Ives House in Ringwood, said: “I scored the best goal in 60 years. I’m pleased as the last time I played was at school.”
Charles, who lives at Marjorie House in Lilliput, said: “It was excellent. I was absolutely blown away by the AFC Bournemouth Performance Centre. It was a great day.”
Jean, who lives at Buxton House in Weymouth, said: “I had a wonderful time. I scored a goal and I thought it was all extremely good fun. I was quite impressed by the whole event.”
Charlotte Mitchell, Resident Lifestyle and Activities Lead at Care South, said: “Our residents had a fantastic time at their annual walking football tournament. For many, it was their first time on a pitch in years, so it was wonderful to see their faces light up as they were cheered on by the crowd. This event and our whole partnership with AFC Bournemouth is a great reflection of our ethos of Food, Fun and Friendship, bringing people together through shared experiences and the joy of football.”
After the tournament, the residents and staff enjoyed coffee and cake in the Players’ Lounge in the Performance Centre while chatting over their favourite moments from the day.
Steve Cuss, Head of AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, said: “It was brilliant to welcome so many Care South residents to our Performance Centre for a day of friendly competition. Seeing everyone getting involved, cheering each other on and celebrating their goals was a real highlight. Events like this show how football can bring people together at any age to have fun, try something different and enjoy being part of a team. We love working with Care South to bring these special activities and experiences to people across Dorset.”
