Care home residents team up for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in Wilmslow as residents came together for a morning of sporting fun. 

Care UK’s Long Stone Manor, on Manchester Road, teamed up with Ladybrook Manor in Stockport to take part in walking football and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

Residents and team members laced up their boots as they geared up for a five-a-side match at the Pro Football Arena in Cheadle.

The game saw families, friends and residents wave handcrafted signs and banners to cheer on their homes from the side of the pitch. Residents Anne Harries and Betty Bowyer joined the celebrations to cheer on team Long Stone Manor.

After a competitive contest, Ladybrook Manor claimed victory and took home the trophy with a final score of 16-9.

Betty said: “I loved the atmosphere on the day. I remember the excitement in the country for previous World Cups!”

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 while sharing new experiences.

Laura Foster, Home Manager at Long Stone Manor, said: “Participating in a match against Ladybrook Manor was a fantastic way to bring people together and celebrate residents’ shared love of football.

“The sport represents a lifetime of treasured memories and traditions for many residents, and this event allowed us to honour these special moments and bring them to life once again.

“Walking football is also a brilliant avenue for making the game accessible to people of all abilities. It’s been wonderful to see residents getting involved and enjoying the social side of the sport. 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.

Long Stone Manor is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, for up to 60 people. It has been designed to promote independence and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation. 

The home is listed in Knight Frank's 2026 guide, which showcases the UK's top 100 best-in-class care homes.