A NEW partnership has been celebrated between Care South and the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust.

Cherries start Marc Pugh, who has spent four seasons with the club, visited Care South residents to mark becoming the ambassador for the trust’s latest scheme, which will be run at the care organisation.

Care home residents, home care service users and staff take part in weekly activities including meeting players, coffee mornings, visits to the Goldsands Stadium, matchday hospitality, walking football and the Extra Time scheme.

Walking football is a slower-paced version of the sport and can provide valuable rehabilitation for those recovering from an illness or injury, while Extra Time will give Care South residents and those living in the community the chance to socialise with others and take part in a whole variety of activities.

The projects are designed to improve physical and emotional health, fitness and wellbeing, as well as promoting social interaction.

Marc said: “Most people associate the work the trust does with young people, but, as a family club, our aim is to engage with people of all ages and abilities across the local area.

“Both the walking football and Extra Time schemes are good examples of the initiatives the trust runs which benefit adults. Extra Time will also help bring families together, which is particularly important.”