Stansted care home residents team up with local Brownies for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in Stansted as residents welcomed the local Brownies group for an evening of sporting fun. 

Residents at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House on Coltsfield were joined by young girls from the Elsenham Brownies to join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport.  

During the visit, residents shared their favourite World Cup moments from over the years with the Brownies, before enjoying a kickabout together in the home’s garden. 

Resident Ann Kimberley, 94, said: “It was wonderful to welcome the girls into the home and spend time with them. I was able to talk to the girls about the World Cup in 1966 and how I remember it, and they were amazed. Although I wasn't a big fan of football, I couldn't escape it, it was everywhere! I remember lots of excitement around that time. We all used to have a kick around for fun, but I wasn't very good.”

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.”

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, 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 the Elsenham Brownies and would like to thank them 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

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub.