York care home residents team up with Minstermen for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in York as residents welcomed local children – and a very important feline – for an afternoon of sporting fun. 

Care UK’s Chocolate Works, on Bishopthorpe Road, teamed up with York City FC and residents' grandchildren to take part in football-themed games and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

The day began with a visit from Minstermen mascot Yorkie the Lion before team members, residents and their grandchildren played seated football in the home’s garden. 

Resident, Brian Russell said: “It was great to see Yorkie the Lion again. It was a wonderful atmosphere and brought back many happy memories from when I used to attend football matches with my son.”

The event was part of Care UK’s ‘Goal-den Moments' initiative, which aims to bring generations together and encourage residents to reminisce about cherished football memories with the local community while creating new experiences together.

Judy Wray, Home Manager at Chocolate Works, said: “We had a ball opening our doors to Yorkie and the little ones to take part in seated football!

“For many residents, football is more than just the beautiful game – it represents a lifetime of treasured memories and traditions. This event allowed us to honour these special moments and bring them to life once again.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring different generations together for a day of matchday magic. It was truly heartwarming to watch residents reminisce and share their favourite football stories from years gone by.

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to York City FC for joining us and making this a day to remember. With spirits high, everyone involved proved they still have plenty of goal-den skills to show off!

For more information about Goal-den Moments, please visit careuk.com/goal-den-moments.

Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, Chocolate Works incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.