Bournemouth and Poole care home residents received an extra special visit from some aspiring young football stars.
Children from AFC Bournemouth’s Under 14s Academy brought festive hampers and Christmas cards to residents at four of Care South’s homes based in Bournemouth and Poole. This included Talbot View in Ensbury Park, Alexandra House in Parkstone, Wickmeads in Tuckton and Care South’s newest care home, Marjorie House in Lilliput.
The boys also chatted to the care homes’ residents about their passion for football, with many residents being AFC Bournemouth fans. They also shared their memories of Christmases past and what the children are looking forward to as part of the Christmas season.
David, who lives in Talbot View care home, said: “The boys were dressed very smartly and they were lovely. I really enjoyed meeting them and talking to them about football."
Alan, who lives in Alexandra House care home, was thrilled to meet the young players as a lifelong AFC Bournemouth season ticket holder. He said: “It was lovely to see all the young lads at the home. They were all so polite and nice to us. They are a credit to AFC Bournemouth.”
Lana Wright, Home Manager at Alexandra House, said: “Our residents’ faces lit up as soon as the children walked into the home. We are so grateful to the Under 14s Academy for visiting our residents, many of whom relished the opportunity to chat about their shared passion for football. It was wonderful to see the different generations connecting over sport and their favourite memories of Christmas. It was a very special day and it was a joy for everyone involved.”
Care South has enjoyed partnership with AFC Bournemouth for the past 11 years which sees the Community Sports Trust host weekly seated football sessions in the Dorset-based care homes. The residents also get the chance to meet the players and have VIP stadium visits.
Steve Cuss, Head of AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust, said: “Giving back to the local community is at the heart of everything we do. Our young players were keen to bring some extra special festive cheer to Care South’s residents and had a great time chatting with them. We absolutely love our visits to the homes, which enable the residents to keep active while having fun, especially at this festive time of year.”
Care South is a leading provider of high quality residential and care at home services across the south of England. The not-for-profit charity has care homes in Dorset, north Devon and Somerset, and care at offices covering Dorset and Somerset.
For more information about the care services available, go to care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712410.