The ‘Beautiful Game’ has kicked off at Bernard Sunley, our Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home, with weekly exercise and team building sessions delivered by Cardinals in the Community, the charitable arm of Woking Football Club.
“I was keen to introduce a new, interactive and inclusive activity for the residents, “ said Cristina Lopez, one of the Activities Coordinators at Bernard Sunley. “Knowing that a lot of our residents love football, and especially Woking Football Club, I contacted Cardinals in the Community to ask if they would be able to deliver weekly sessions. They were more than happy to host a weekly meaningful activities class, now it’s probably the most popular activity we have on our weekly calendar.”
Cardinals in the Community’s Owen Sims visits Bernard Sunley each week to get the residents match ready. “We work on a real mix of exercises and sports with the residents, which we adapt to suit everyone’s individual abilities,” said Owen. “We always begin with a light warm up, followed by an inclusive game which the residents can all take part in and finish off the session with a gentle cool down and stretching exercises.”
“The games Owen gets the residents engaged with change each week,” added Cristina. “They have played Skittles, Bowling, Throwing The Bean Bags, Magnetic Darts and, of course, Football.”
“The exercises and games we play with the residents are tailored to help with hand and eye coordination, dexterity, balance and flexibility,” continued Owen.
“I also bring team building into each session. We sit in a circle and do a practice round of a game. After the practice round, we go around the circle again, playing the game, working as a team and scoring points. It’s very popular with residents. Even those who are not that sporting like to join in – several surprising themselves with their sporting ability.”
“There are over 18 residents who regularly join the sessions with more taking part each week, with a quite a few supporters watching and cheering their care home friends on,” said Cristina.
“The residents all really enjoy it and we now have a few that especially come to this activity as they enjoy it so much. This is very positive as it has motivated and encouraged the residents to come out of their rooms and get engaged, active and socialise together,” continued Andy.
“Monika and I have found that the majority of the residents are into either Rugby or Racing, but we do have a couple of avid Cardinals fans,” added Cristina. “One resident, Pam Kaine, who has lived at Bernard Sunley for nearly two years, loves football. She has been a Woking supporter for many years, visiting the ground and watching the games with her family – she especially enjoys the weekly sessions.”
Resident Franc Kaizik who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley since November 2022 is another long-term Woking Football Club supporter. “Franc was originally a bit dubious about joining in with the sessions, but now he’s a weekly regular and thoroughly loves all the interactions, games and exercises,” continued Cristina.
“I love the football sessions as I was a really big Woking fan. I also support Arsenal, but not so much these days. I use to go to a few matches at Arsenal’s stadium, my son is still a big fan, but Woking Football Club reminds me of my old days,” said Franc.
“In the 70s, my wife and I were on holiday, staying in a Bed and Breakfast near Wales. We met a couple from Woking and became very good friends. We lived in a flat in London at the time, but as I use to regularly come down to see my friend, we decided to move to a bigger place in Woking. That was great as I use to go to watch The Cardinals’ home games, I loved it and have so many great memories,” Franc continued.
“One of our new residents, John Owen who came to Bernard Sunley this July, is also a long-term and avid Cardinals fan. His first Cardinals in the Community session was last week, and he enjoyed it so much, he can’t wait for Owen’s next visit,” added Cristina.
“Many of our residents love football, and some are supporters of Woking Football Club,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley. “We are committed to keeping our residents engaged and integrated with the local community, so to have members of Cardinals in the Community visit us each week to host their inclusive exercise and team building sessions is wonderful. The residents really enjoy getting to grips with all the moves and have a great time.”
“I love how the residents are so energised and enthusiastic to join in every week and look forward to Owen coming in. Seeing how they concentrate on the activity in hand and improve as each game goes on, is really rewarding. The residents cheer each other on throughout the session and hearing the buzz of excitement – as well as the team spirit – is so heartwarming,” concluded Cristina.
Find out more about Bernard Sunley care home by calling 01483 764 300 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.