Having a ball: Cheltenham care home residents team up with Cheltenham Town legend for matchday magic

Cheltenham

Football fever has officially kicked off at a care home in Cheltenham as residents enjoyed an afternoon of sporting fun alongside a local football hero.
 
Care UK’s Sandfields, on St George’s Road, welcomed former professional footballer and Cheltenham Town FC legend Julian Alsop to reminisce about the beautiful game and join the nation in celebrating a huge summer of sport.
 
On the day, residents gathered in the home’s café, which was decked out in football flags, balloons, and memorabilia, to watch England’s iconic 1966 World Cup victory on the big screen to bring all the matchday excitement to the home.
 
Julian Alsop joined the celebrations and shared stories from his time on the pitch. Best known locally for his successful spell at Cheltenham Town, where he scored 26 goals during the 2001-02 season and helped secure their promotion to Division Two, he also played for Bristol Rovers, Swansea City and Forest Green Rovers during his career.
 
91-year-old resident Marian Kuhnel said: “I loved the event! It brought back a real sense of community spirit.
 
“I remember watching the World Cup in 1966 when I was in my 30s. Everyone was so full of excitement about meeting Julian, what a lovely, charming man. I couldn't get over how tall he is!”
 
The event was part of Care UK’s ‘Goal-den Moments' initiative, which aims to bring generations together, encouraging residents to relive cherished football memories while creating new ones.
 
Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields, said: “We had a ball opening our doors to Julian to relive some matchday magic! For many residents, football is more than just the beautiful game – it represents a lifetime of treasured memories and traditions.
 
“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 Julian for joining us and making it a day to remember. With spirits high, it’s safe to say we all scored some goal-den moments together!”
 
For more information about Goal-den Moments, please visit www.careuk.com/goal-den-moments.
 
Sandfields is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.
 
For more information on Sandfields, please call Customer Relations Manager David Blake on 01242 808034, email david.blake@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/sandfields.

 

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