Bracknell care homes team up for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off in Bracknell as care home residents and teams took part in an afternoon of sporting fun. 

Care UK’s Bickerton House invited Parsons Grange in Shinfield and Dashwood Manor in Basingstoke to participate in a football tournament and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport.

The Warfield Road care home organised for three five-a-side teams to come together at the Great Hollands recreational ground to compete head to head. Led by residents acting as referees, coaches and cheerleaders, the team members from the homes put on their shin pads and boots to try to earn the trophy and bragging rights. 

Bickerton House tasted victory in a tense tournament as spectators cheered on from pitchside while enjoying a picnic of delicious savoury and sweet treats.

Resident Neil Pennell said: “I loved the atmosphere and playing with different care homes. I have always supported West Ham since my childhood. My dad used to be a gate inspector and he would always take us to the games. 

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 with the local community and share new experiences together.

Michael Pallister, Home Manager at Bickerton House, said: “We had a ball teaming up with other Berkshire care homes for the tournament!

“For many residents, football is more than just the beautiful game – it represents a lifetime of treasured memories and traditions. This event allowed us to honour these special moments and bring them to life once again.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our neighbours together for a day of matchday magic. It was truly heartwarming to watch residents reminisce and share their favourite football stories from years gone by.

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Great Hollands recreational ground for 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 careuk.com/goal-den-moments.

Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to lead active and fulfilling lives and remain as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and features a pub, cinema and hair and beauty salon.