Stockport care home residents team up for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at two care homes in Stockport as residents came together for a morning of sporting fun. 

Care UK’s Ladybrook Manor, in Bramhall, and Abney Court, in Cheadle, took part in football-themed activities and joined the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

Residents and team members from Ladybrook Manor and Long Stone Manor laced up their boots for a five-a-side football tournament at the Pro Football Arena.

The game saw families, friends and residents hold handcrafted signs and banners as they cheered on their team. After a competitive game, Ladybrook Manor took home the trophy, scoring 16 goals. 

Following Ladybrook’s victory and trophy win, resident Christine showcased her impressive footwork skills by stepping up and scoring some goals of her own.

Resident Leslie Woolf, 93, said: “I really enjoyed being part of it all and watching everyone getting involved. Seeing the competition brought back lovely memories of watching my sons play when they were younger—and I absolutely loved presenting the trophy to my winning team… I knew they’d win all along, and I’m so pleased we brought the trophy home!”

Over at Abney Court, residents welcomed children from Kids Planet Cheadle to put their best foot forward and score a few goals in the home’s garden area.

Following the activity, residents shared their most cherished memories with the young children.

The events were both 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

Susan Cameron, Home Manager at Ladybrook Manor, said: “Hosting a match with Long Stone Manor has been a fantastic way to bring people together and celebrate residents’ shared love of football.

“Walking football is a brilliant avenue for making the game accessible to people of all abilities. It’s been wonderful to see residents getting involved and enjoying the social side of the sport.”

Julie McDowell, Home Manager at Abney Court, added: “The event was a wonderful opportunity to bring different generations together for a morning of matchday magic. It was truly heartwarming to watch residents reminisce and share their favourite football stories from years gone by with the children. 

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Kids Planet Cheadle 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.

Ladybrook Manor and Abney Court have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The homes have been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. There is also plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.