Hythe care home residents team up with children for matchday magic

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in Hythe as residents welcomed local children for some sporting fun. 

Care UK’s Carpathia Grange, on Southampton Road, teamed up with youngsters from the community to take part in a variety of football-themed activities and join the nation in celebrating the huge summer of sport. 

Firstly, children from Pinecones Nursery came to visit the residents for a special penalty shootout competition in the garden. With special training from resident John Hysted, the little ones picked up some new skills very quickly. 

Later in the week, members of the Noadswood School choir travelled to the home to perform their favourite football songs, including Three Lions, which sparked conversation between the generations about the 1966 final. 

Resident Maggie Parsons, said: “As I watched the choir sing, I enjoyed how lively and full of promise the children all were, much like the nation at the start of any World Cup!"

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.

Jodie Lavers, Home Manager at Carpathia Grange, said: “We had a ball opening our doors to the children of Hythe to take part in football activities!

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

“This initiative was a wonderful opportunity to bring different generations together for some 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 Pinecones Nursery and Noadswood School for joining us and making these events ones to remember. With spirits high, everyone involved proved they have plenty of goal-den skills to show off!

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

Carpathia Grange is a three-storey care home that provides residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. It features 62 en suite bedrooms and incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub.