Football fever swept through a care home in Market Harborough as residents welcomed a local football team for an afternoon of sporting fun.
Care UK’s Oat Hill Mews, on Leicester Road, teamed up with visitors from Harborough Town FC’s U21 side to take part in an afternoon dedicated to sharing the beautiful game with the residents and join the nation in celebrating a huge summer of sport.
During their visit, players swapped football memories across generations and heard residents’ own favourite matchday traditions from years gone by. They then treated residents to an incredible display of tricks and skills before hosting a football-themed quiz which sparked plenty of nostalgia.
Residents also stepped up for a penalty shootout challenge to prove they still had plenty of ‘goal-den’ skills up their sleeves.
Marjorie Dore, aged 90, said: “I really enjoyed meeting the team. The younger generation’s vitality is so refreshing and reminds us to be enthusiastic and passionate about life! I’ve loved supporting England in the World Cup, and every sport, throughout my life.”
The event was part of Care UK’s ‘Goal-den Moments' initiative, which aims to bring generations together, encouraging residents to reminisce about cherished football memories with the local community and create new memories together
Susanne Stevens, Home Manager at Oat Hill Mews, said: “We know how powerful sport can be in bringing people together, with football holding a special place in the hearts of many residents.
“This event has been a fantastic way to connect with the local community while celebrating shared passions and memories. Whether it’s supporting a favourite team or recalling matchday traditions, these moments help spark meaningful conversations and joy.
“We’re delighted to have welcomed Harborough Town’s U21s and would like to thank them for helping to make it such a wonderful day for everyone involved.”
For more information about Goal-den Moments, please visit www.careuk.com/goal-den-moments.
Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives while also promoting independence, Oat Hill Mews incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including a cinema, hair and beauty salon and bar. Its highly skilled team provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.
For more information about Oat Hill Mews, please call Customer Relations Manager Justyna Bartyska on 01858 390 039, email justyna.bartyska@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/oat-hill-mews.