Thorrington care home residents team up for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in Thorrington as residents welcomed neighbouring homes for an afternoon of sporting fun.  

Care UK’s Silversprings, on Tenpenny Hill, teamed up with visitors from 11 care homes from the region to take part in a football-themed sports day and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport.  

The day began with warm-ups and a parade of all homes, with each team representing a different country.

The residents then played games including kick bowling, sports trivia, football score frenzy and a penalty shootout, while the team members tested their competitive spirit with a football dribble relay, spot-kicks and a tug of war.

Residents cheered on all 12 homes from the sidelines with flags and handmade signs, but there was to be only one winner from the day’s tournament – Heathlands House, representing South Korea.

Resident Rowland Everson, 74, said: “I really enjoyed the day. It was a lot of fun participating in the games and I scored a goal! It was also fun watching the team members’ games.

“The hog roast was lovely. I love football and it brings back memories of going to see Colchester United with my dad – I would enjoy an orange drink while my dad had a beer.”

Joanne Rix, Home Manager at Silversprings, added: “Hosting an inter-home sports day has been a fantastic way to bring people together and celebrate residents’ shared love of football.

“For many, the game holds a lifetime of memories, and seeing those come to life again through playing and cheering from the sidelines has been very special.

“We’re so grateful to the residents and team members from all 12 homes for joining us and helping to create such a lively atmosphere. It’s been a brilliant example of how sport can connect generations and build meaningful relationships within the community.”

The event was part of Care UK’s ‘Goal-den Moments' initiative, which aims to bring generations together and encourage residents to reminisce about cherished football memories while sharing new experiences.

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 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.”

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

Silversprings is a state-of-the-art care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. The expert team provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, while the building boasts a range of facilities including a café, hair and beauty salon and gardens.