Dorset care homes team up with community for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at two care homes in Dorset as they hosted afternoons of sporting fun. 

Care UK’s The Potteries, in Broadstone, and Ferndown Manor teamed up with their local communities to take part in a host of football-themed activities and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport.

At The Potteries, Ben and Alan, from Poole Town Football Club, and visitors flocked to the home’s summer fete to participate in paddling pool football and shop around the stalls. 

The head chef also served a delicious barbecue and refreshments throughout the day. Fully fuelled, guests had the chance to win prizes from a raffle and tombola, with all the profits going to The Gale Foundation Trust – a founding sponsor of the club's kids’ initiative, which delivers 172 free football places to local children every week. 

Resident Baz John Wheeler-Cherry said: “I really enjoyed the World Cup day. I loved being with my friends and being in the football paddling pool.”

“It brought back memories of when I played for Waddesdon aged 12-19, and winning the District Aylesbury Cup at 15. Also, I remember watching the 1966 final at my friend's house, as my family didn’t have a television back then. Eight friends and I cheered on England, and I remember the pure happiness I felt when they won!”

Over at Ferndown Manor, the maintenance team crafted a human table football setup to hold its own tournament.

Residents and team members showed their competitive spirit in a series of mini matches as they battled to lift the trophy. Team Ferndown brought home the win with the help of the man of the match, Trevor Birtwistle, and top scorer, Ann Wrighton. 

Resident Trevor said: “I used to play football with my children when they were younger, as well as competitive matches with my older brothers. I had a great day, and I loved supporting on the sidelines. The half-time treats were fantastic too!

The events were 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 while sharing new experiences.

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “We had a ball opening our doors to the local community for our summer fete!

“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.”

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to bring our home together for a day of matchday magic. It was truly heartwarming to watch residents take part in our human table football match and share their favourite football stories from years gone by.

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our maintenance team 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.

The Potteries and Ferndown Manor have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. The expert teams provide residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and are proud to offer a ‘home for life’ if an individual’s needs change over time.