The 2021-22 football season is coming to an end and Exemplar Health Care residents have been there every step of the way

Football, along with many other sports, has the power to bring different communities and people together regardless of their age, gender, race, or even their team.

Many of the people who live in our specialist care homes are avid football fans. During the 2021-22 season, they’ve been there every step of the way, supporting their favourite teams.

As we come to the end of the season, here’s a round up of some of our favourite photos and stories from the season. Can you spot your favourite team? 

Pick your colours

We have some keen football supporters from a variety of different teams working and living in our care homes.

Watching sport is a great way to bring people together to socialise and spend time together  through a common interest or pure joy and excitement.

Even the most historic of rivalries can bring people together. At Fairburn Mews care home in Castleford, avid Leeds supporter Tim and Activities Co-ordinator Paul came together for the war of the roses one Sunday as Leeds United took on Manchester United.

Across the road at Fairburn Vale, Garry and Richard also came together to watch the match on Richard’s TV.

Live in action

Some of our residents have been lucky enough to see their teams live in action this season, including Colin and Daniel’s trip to Bramall Lane from our Quarryfields care home in Doncaster. Daniel, Activities Co-ordinator, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day! Despite being backed into the corner, Sheffield United showed integrity, success and teamwork, and me and Colin had fun, just like some of our values!”

Garry from Fairburn Vale care home in Castleford enjoyed a match at Elland Road this season after setting himself a goal to go to as many Leeds United matches as possible. Garry also decided he wanted to buy the new season kit whilst he was there!

John from Scotia Heights care home in Stoke-on-Trent was given VIP treatment at Vale Park. He enjoyed watching Port Vale with the company of his wife and one of our Team Leaders, Cara. They had an executive box to themselves, along with lots of food and a great view of the pitch!

Keeping fit with football

Our residents often enjoy a game of football between themselves and our care home staff. One of our residents has been scoring some amazing goals and teaching our staff some new tricks at Copperfields care home in Leeds.

Our residents at Longley Park View care home in Sheffield like to have a different sort of game of football between themselves and put their foosball table to good use!

Come on England

Last summer, the England national team gripped the nation during the Euro 2020 championship after its long awaited return to our screens due to the tournament being postponed in 2020. Our homes across England came together to watch the three lions make it all the way to the finals in July.

Our Willowbeck care home in Sheffield went all out for the final, with a giant outdoor screen and a BBQ for family and friends.

Quarryfields watched all of the games from the comfort of their care home in Doncaster and even put a ban on eating pizza for the final against Italy!

St Andrew’s Court care home in Hull also enjoyed watching the tournament in their very own pub.

Hopefully come this winter, we’ll all be cheering England on to the finals again – this time in the World Cup! Is it too early to say it’s coming home?

Health care jobs with Exemplar Health Care

Do you want to support our residents to continue supporting their favourite teams and watch their favourite sports? This is just one of the ways we make every day better for the people we support.

We’re recruiting across our care homes in England. Visit our online job search to find a role near you.