Former pro-footballer relives memories during our World Cup activities

A former professional footballer has been reliving memories of his playing days thanks to a series of World Cup-themed activities organised by our team.

Mike Barber, 84, who moved into Acorn Court Care Home in Redhill earlier this year, was at the heart of the home’s football activities. Residents enjoyed match screenings, football quizzes, themed games and a lively ‘Beat the Goalie’ penalty shootout, bringing the excitement of the tournament into the home.

Mike represented England Youth in 1958 and Arsenal Youth between 1957 and 1959 before playing professionally as a forward for Queens Park Rangers from 1959 to 1963 and Notts County from 1963 to 1966. His sporting career was sadly cut short by a knee injury, but football has remained a lifelong passion.

Our team’s varied programme of football-themed activities has been enjoyed by residents and their families and friends over the past month. For Mike, the activities helped him reconnect with special memories.

Lifestyle Coordinator Vikki Steer, who has worked at Acorn Court for over 16 years, said: “The World Cup gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate something that has meant so much to Mike throughout his life.

“Although Mike now lives with dementia and can’t always communicate in full sentences, his enjoyment of our World Cup celebrations has been unmistakable. He particularly enjoyed our ‘Beat the Goalie’ challenge where he scored goals, celebrated with high fives, tapped along to the football music and proudly told us he supports Arsenal. His excitement proved how powerful familiar interests and memories can be, especially for our residents living with dementia. The joy from the ‘Beat the Goalie’ afternoon was infectious, and everyone came together, had fun and shared lots of smiles and laughter.”

The ‘Beat the Goalie’ challenge was one of our home’s highlight activities during the World Cup and involved home manager Paula Deadman stepping into goal wearing a giant inflatable football as residents and team members took turns taking penalties.

Resident Doreen Marshall, 89, who has lived at Acorn Court for just over four years, was amongst those enjoying the challenge.

“I used to watch football a lot,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed watching it with everyone and joining in with the activities. Kicking the football was great fun and it was lovely hearing everyone cheering each other on.”

As well as bringing back sporting memories, the activities formed part of our home’s ongoing focus on supporting residents’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Eileen Constantino, our care team lead and mental health first aider, said: “The ‘Beat the Goalie’ challenge brought everyone together through fun, laughter and friendly competition. We’ve seen residents cheering each another on, reminiscing about football and celebrating every goal. Activities like these help people stay active, connected and engaged while creating a real sense of community within the home.

“Residents, families and the team have all joined in with our various themed activities which have encouraged social interaction, gentle physical activity and plenty of smiles.”

For home manager Paula Deadman, volunteering to be the goalkeeper was all part of the fun.

“I like to think I made a few spectacular saves,” she laughed. “There was so much laughter throughout the afternoon.

“Activities like this are about much more than football. Whether someone was taking a penalty, cheering from the sidelines or simply enjoying the atmosphere, everyone was part of the celebration. It was a brilliant way to bring everyone together in a positive and meaningful way, giving our residents the opportunity to socialise, build friendships and enjoy shared experiences. It’s these moments that really make Acorn Court feel like a home.”

Vikki added: “One of the best parts of the day was seeing residents who can be hesitant to participate gradually become involved and join in after watching others having fun. By the end, they were clapping, singing along to the football songs and cheering each other on. It was a brilliant afternoon and one we’ll certainly remember.”

Acorn Court Care Home, on Watercolour Development, is a specialist dementia and palliative care home with 86 en-suite bedrooms, offering residential, nursing, dementia, acquired brain injury (ABI) and compassionate end-of-life care. Our home is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and platinum accreditation with the Gold Standards Framework for end-of-life care. Last year, the team received Highly Commended at the South-East region of the Great British Care Awards for the Dignity in Care Award.