Sutton Coldfield care home residents team up with community for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at two care homes in Sutton Coldfield as residents welcomed the community for a day of sporting fun. 

Care UK’s Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, and Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, took part in football-themed activities and joined the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

At Bishops Manor, the team decorated the lounge with flags and residents got together for a crafty morning, where they designed their own paper football shirts using art pens. Residents were joined by former English footballer and defender, Steve Sims, who judged the designs and spoke to residents about their favourite football memories.

In the afternoon, the team welcomed relatives and friends as the celebrations continued with a ‘Spot the Ball’ competition and a barbecue specially prepared by the home’s Head Chef.

Resident Jeff Smith, 84, said: “It has been a fun-filled day. I've had a wonderful time and really enjoyed designing my football shirt and being part of the Bishops Manor Football Team. It has been many years since I last played football and the day made me feel young at heart again. The food was wonderful too; it was a fantastic day from start to finish."

Over at Mercia Grange, residents and the team laced up their boots, picked their favourite numbered shirts and took part in a penalty shoot-out.

With plenty of friendly competition and cheering from the sidelines, everyone got involved, whether they were taking penalties or supporting their teammates. There were smiles all round as residents celebrated every goal.

Resident Audrey Smithem, 91, said: “It brought back so many happy memories of watching football with my family.”

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 and create new memories together.

Jody Sedgwick, Home Manager at Bishops Manor, said: ““We had an amazing time opening our doors to family, friends, and Steve Sims to enjoy our football-themed activities. The day was a fantastic example of bringing people together to celebrate a shared love of the game while creating cherished new memories.

“Residents thoroughly enjoyed designing their own football shirts, which gave everyone the chance to showcase their creativity and individuality. The excitement carried on throughout the afternoon with a lively competition, where residents and team members embraced some friendly rivalry. It was wonderful to see so much laughter, conversation, and teamwork.”

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, added: “We had such a wonderful time bringing everyone together for an afternoon of match day magic. Residents had a blast shooting goals – congratulations to everyone involved!

"Football has the ability to unlock a lot of special memories, so it was wonderful to see residents get together and share their stories with each other.”

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

Bishops Manor and Mercia Grange 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.