The Perfect Match – Under-11s Football Team Meet Their Sponsors For A Kickabout And Cake
On Saturday 23rd March, Bransgore under-11s football team visited residents at Homefield Grange Care Home in the village of Winkton, near Christchurch, for a chance to meet their sponsors and deliver a ‘ball skills’ demonstration.
Never Too Old for a Kickabout
The whole team, and their coach, Steve, arrived at Homefield Grange at midday after a training session. They were introduced to keen footy fans, residents Ron, Bill and Ray, who admired the boys’ ball skills, then joined in a game of touch football and really got into the spirit of it. Ray said: “It bought back memories of when I played football as a young man. I wish I had their energy now” – a remarkable comment from someone who marks his 102nd birthday this summer!
Ray also has a footballing pedigree as his father, Tom, had a short career as a professional footballer after the First World War, and before joining Gillingham, even played a game for Chelsea. Ray is a keen Chelsea supporter to this day and also enjoys watching England play. Let’s hope the England team give him something to celebrate at the Euro 24 tournament this summer!
Sponsoring the Team Brings Residents Closer to the Community
Team coach Steve said how excited the boys were to meet these amazing gentlemen and how incredibly grateful they were for the sponsorship and support of the team. Meanwhile, Customer Relations Manager, Becci Woolard, explained that the involvement with the Bransgore under-11s team is a key step for Homefield Grange:
“One of the most important things to us is being involved with our local community. It’s essential that our residents are able to enjoy the best possible quality of life and independence, and part of that is not feeling isolated from a community they’ve potentially been involved with all their lives. By connecting with the wider world, they can still feel valued and engaged.
"I attended a local community meeting and heard that the team was looking for a sponsor, so we were delighted to take this on at the beginning of 2024. What’s great is that the club is so local – just a couple of miles away, so it’s easier to create a bond.”
Shared Interest Creates a New Fan Base
Not to be outdone, and with a firm nod to the progress made by the women’s game, Homefield’s Resident Ambassador, Peggy, joined the fun and insisted on a photo with the team. Peggy was thrilled to see the energy they brought to the home and thought all the boys were really lovely – a compliment that was returned by the team who couldn’t believe that Peggy is 103 years old!
After the skills demo, the players chatted to the residents while tucking into some well-deserved sandwiches and cake. Intergenerational activity is something that’s encouraged at Homefield Grange as it benefits all age groups and residents particularly enjoy the chance to engage with youngsters about things on a different level.
Next on the agenda is a trip for Ron, Bill and Ray to watch a match so they can see the boys in action, and there’ll definitely be an outing to a big local football tournament and fayre in the summer. With ‘Homefield Grange’ standing proud on the backs of the team’s shirts, this could be the beginning of a whole new fanbase for Bransgore under-11s!
Welcome to Homefield Grange Care Home in Christchurch, Dorset
Homefield Grange is a beautiful, purpose-built home in Christchurch, offering residential, nursing, and dementia care in a modern setting. You’ll a find warm and inviting space for residents and visitors with exceptional amenities, including lounges, a cinema, a hair salon and a bistro.
The wonderful surroundings at Homefield Grange Care Home are matched by our team’s standard of care. We love to learn about those staying with us by getting to know them, so your loved one’s time here is tailored to their interests, preferences, and needs. We allow for as much independence as possible and residents choose how the care home is run.
