Haywards Heath care home residents team up with schoolchildren for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in Haywards Heath as residents welcomed a local school for a morning of sporting fun.

Care UK’s Martlet Manor, on Butler’s Green Road, teamed up with visitors from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School to take part in a variety of football activities and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

The schoolchildren, who were all wearing their favourite football shirts, began by taking part in a game of walking football with the residents in the home’s garden, with the children’s team securing a 2-1 victory.

This was followed by a football fitness workout, where the children, residents, and team members all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Afterwards, everyone tucked into delicious and well-earned ice creams specially prepared by Martlet Manor’s talented head chef, Justin Meyer.

83-year-old resident, and previous England Under 19s player, David Martin, said: “Having the children here was amazing. Football brings all generations together and brings back lots of memories!”

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.

Sarah Barrett, Home Manager at Martlet Manor, said: “We had a ball opening our doors to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School to take part in walking 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 the schoolchildren for joining us and making this a day to remember. With spirits high, everyone involved proved they 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, Martlet Manor incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each with a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. The home also has its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and family guest room.