Newmarket care home residents team up with youth club for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in Newmarket as residents welcomed a local youth football team for an afternoon of sporting fun. 

Care UK’s Kentford Manor, on Jeddah Way, teamed up with visitors from Kennet Youth Football Club to take part in penalty shootout and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

On the day, residents put their football skills to the test in a penalty shootout with players from local club, Kennet Youth Football Club. Players from both sides took turns being goalkeepers and scorers, with the resident team making some impressive goals – and residents Jean Ayling, 91, and Philip Leslay, 76, being crowned top scorers and receiving trophies.

After the competition, all residents were presented with participation medals before enjoying delicious football-inspired dishes prepared by the home’s head chef, including a pitch-themed cake, burgers and hot dogs.

Resident Ivy Clarke, 88, said “A good penalty shootout always gets everyone cheering – that never changes, no matter your age! I never expected to be taking part in a penalty shootout at my age, but it was a wonderful feeling. I had such a great time and loved every minute of it.”

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.

As part of the campaign, Care UK has also made donations to local walking football foundations, including Cambridge United Foundation.

Vicky Neal, Head of Cambridge United Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Care UK for their generous donation in support of our work with older adults across the Cambridge community. Partnerships like this help us continue delivering programmes that make a genuine difference to people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

"Our walking football sessions, in particular, have become a vital lifeline for many participants – improving fitness, confidence and mobility, while also tackling loneliness by creating meaningful social connections and friendships. The support from Care UK will allow us to reach even more older adults and continue using the power of sport to bring people together and enhance lives across our city.”

Hannah Nurse, Home Manager at Kentford Manor, said: “We had a ball opening our doors to the Kennet Youth Football Club to take part in a penalty shootout! 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 Kennet Youth Football Club 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 www.careuk.com/goal-den-moments

Designed to enable residents to lead active and rewarding lives, while also promoting independence, Kentford Manor incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The home is thoughtfully arranged into smaller suites to create a close-knit, welcoming community where residents can enjoy spending time together, with shared spaces including a cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon.