Footy-mad Halstead care home resident returns to the pitch

A Halstead care home resident who thought his footballing days were behind him has had the chance to lace up his boots once again.

Ray Wiffen, 68, who lives at Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, recently joined a local walking football group after telling team members how much he missed the camaraderie, excitement and sense of belonging that football had always given him.

Ray’s love of the sport stretches back decades. In the 1970s and 80s, he played for Gosfield Football Club’s 1st team and reserves, taking on right back, left back and centre back positions. His football journey began unexpectedly in 1976 when manager Eric Seymour asked him to step in as a substitute for a match they went on to win 5-0 – a moment Ray still recalls as the start of “the rest of the history.”

Among his proudest memories is scoring the opening goal – a penalty – in a 7-1 win against Notley Football Club, as well as being named Player of the Year for the 1977-78 season. A lifelong Liverpool supporter, Ray fondly remembers watching big matches with friends at The Globe pub in Halstead and still talks about the 1966 World Cup as if it were yesterday.

When team members at Colne View learned how much Ray missed being part of a team, they arranged for him to attend a walking football session in Halstead, a low-impact version of the game – the perfect way to dust off his boots and reconnect with the sport he loves.

Reflecting on his experience of joining the walking football club, Ray said: “I may not be able to play as I used to, but it doesn’t mean the fun stops here.

“I got into walking football mainly because it keeps you fit. At my age, I have to try and convince myself that I can – and it keeps my brain active as well. I’ve had a few sessions so far and I’m enjoying it very much. 

“At first, I was just trying to stay on my feet – I couldn’t get used to walking and just wanted to run! Stepping back on to the pitch after being away for a while was nice, and I wanted to carry on where I left off, but I am better at the walking part now. I’m not at the perfect speed yet, but I will be.”

Cristina Iacob, Home Manager at Colne View, said: “The team always says there isn’t a thing Ray Wiffen doesn’t know about football – and he proves it daily by proudly wearing one of his many football shirts!

“We’ve loved hearing his stories from his Gosfield playing days, and it’s been a joy supporting him as he joins the local walking football group here in Halstead.

“With the World Cup kicking off, it feels like the perfect moment for Ray to reignite those memories and enjoy being part of the game again.”

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.

Colne View is a purpose-built care home that offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. It is designed to deliver the very best standards and boasts luxury facilities including a cinema, café and hair and beauty salon.