Cherries star plays football with care home residents

Residents at Templeman House in Leedam Road in Northbourne were joined by AFC Bournemouth winger, Marc Pugh, for a special event to celebrate three years of the partnership between AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust and Care South.

Marc, who is an ambassador for the partnership, took part in a game of chair football with resident, Jim Nolan, also showing off his sporting skills as a lifelong football fan who had a trial for Tottenham Hotspur in his youth.

Marc also spent time chatting to the residents about the team’s recent news and successes in the Premier League.

Amy Marks, partnerships executive at AFC Bournemouth, said: “We are extremely proud to continue such a fantastic and unique partnership with Care South.

"The sessions aim to improve physical and emotional health and fitness, as well as promoting social interaction. AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust delivers a fantastic project to the residents and we would like to thank Care South for their continued support."

Care South’s partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust enables residents, home care service users and staff to get involved in a variety of activities including meeting players, coffee mornings, walking football and visits to the Vitality Stadium.

Susan Willoughby, chief executive at Care South, said: “Marc is a fantastic ambassador for the partnership and his support has helped to drive strong levels of interest in the work we are doing together.

"We are delighted to mark another successful year of our partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust and are looking forward to continuing this fruitful relationship.

"Over the last year, residents have visited the Vitality Stadium, enjoyed regular chair football sessions with the Community Sport’s team coaches and some were lucky enough to watch the Cherries play at home."

Care South is the leading provider of residential and home care services across the south of England.