Residents at a Chelmsford care home swapped their slippers for trainers as football fever swept through a lively walking tournament.

The event took place at Manor Lodge on Manor Road, operated by Care UK, where residents teamed up with members of Chelmsford Walking Football.

The group, run by the Alzheimer’s Society at nearby Writtle College, joined residents for an afternoon of friendly competition and community connection.

Participants began the session with a warm-up, practising passing and movement drills before taking part in a mini tournament.

Among those taking to the pitch was 79-year-old resident Margaret Bullen, who said: “I enjoyed playing football, and they were no match for me.

“I used to take my boys to their games and I thoroughly enjoyed a friendly match.”

The activity formed part of Care UK’s ‘Goal-den Moments’ initiative, which encourages residents to revisit fond football memories while engaging with their local community and creating new experiences.

Residents at a Chelmsford care home swapped their slippers for trainers as football fever swept through a lively walking tournament.
The event took place at Manor Lodge on Manor Road, operated by Care UK, where residents teamed up with members of Chelmsford Walking Football.
The group, run by the Alzheimer’s Society at nearby Writtle College, joined residents for an afternoon of friendly competition and community connection. — Pic credit: Manor Lodge

Natasha Webster, Home Manager at Manor Lodge, said the event had been a great success.

She added: “We’re always looking for meaningful ways to keep residents active and engaged, and partnering with Chelmsford Walking Football was a fantastic opportunity to do just that.

“Walking football is a brilliant avenue for making the game accessible to people of all abilities. It’s been wonderful to see residents getting involved and enjoying the social side of the sport.

“Bringing together residents and members of the local club has created a real sense of community, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us to make the day such a success.”

As part of the wider campaign, Care UK has also made donations to local walking football initiatives, including the Cambridge United Foundation.

Vicky Neal, Head of the Foundation, welcomed the support.

She said: “We are incredibly grateful to Care UK for its generous donation in support of our work with older adults across the Cambridge community.

“Our walking football sessions have become a vital lifeline for many participants, improving fitness, confidence and mobility while also tackling loneliness by creating meaningful social connections and friendships.

“This support will allow us to reach even more older adults and continue using the power of sport to bring people together.”

Manor Lodge, which is rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, provides residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite services.

The home features a cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, alongside indoor and outdoor spaces designed to support residents in leading fulfilling and active lives.

Source: https://www.chelmsfordweeklynews.co.uk/sport/26216010.chelmsford-care-home-residents-join-football-tournament/