St Ives care home residents up lace up their boots for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in St Ives as residents enjoyed an afternoon of sporting fun. 

Residents at Care UK’s Field Lodge, on London Road, embraced their competitive spirit with a variety of football-themed activities to join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

The event saw residents and team members play games including a penalty shoot-out and classic skittles with a football twist. They were also joined by Connie Liddiard, March Town United Football Club Ladies Reserves player and granddaughter of resident Peter.

Resident Beryl O'Dell, 96, said: “It was such a lovely afternoon with so many taking part, and it was great to see how the games were adapted so everyone could enjoy them.”

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 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 its 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.”

Linda Martinez, Home Manager at Field Lodge, said: “We know how powerful sport can be in bringing people together, with football in particular holding a special place in the hearts of many residents.

“This event has been a fantastic way to connect with the local community while celebrating shared passions and memories. Whether it’s supporting a favourite team or recalling matchday traditions, these moments help spark meaningful conversations and joy.

“We’re delighted to have welcomed Connie Liddiard and would like to thank her for helping to make it such a wonderful day for everyone involved.”

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

Field Lodge is a modern, purpose-built home providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms as well as its own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon.