Beaumont Hall residents find perfect pitch with Leicester City FC

Residents at a Leicester residential home have been keeping fit the Leicester City way.

When Beaumont Hall welcomed three coaches from Leicester City in the Community into their home, the fun ran into extra time.

Care home residents were invited to take part in a number of ball games including carpet bowls with miniature footballs and throwing, catching and kicking an inflatable ball.

During a 45 minute action packed session, they took turns scoring goals against fellow resident and keen footballer John Murty, 72, and were encouraged to aim balls directly at LCFC’s health and wellbeing manager Matt Bray.

Residents also enjoyed reminiscing about Leicester matches and heroes through the ages, and passed around books containing old pictures of the players.

Lee Daly, home manager, Beaumont Hall, which is operated by Ideal Carehomes, said: “Residents really enjoyed this session run by Leicester City in the Community.

“Although we regularly run our own fitness, movement and sports activities, there was an extra buzz in the room today.

“Running two different activities in the same space at the same time was not something we had tried before and it created a real energy and sense of anticipation. We will definitely try it again.

“It was especially pleasing to see resident John, who often uses a wheelchair because he has problems with his knees, stand up and take penalty after penalty!”

Resident Betty Wann, 88, said: “I really enjoyed it and I was happy to join in with everyone.

“I have a Leicester City Football Club teddy bear from when we visited the pitch and I love it.

“I had the ball a lot and enjoyed catching it. I’m looking forward to seeing them again.”

John Murty, a former footballer and Stirling Albion fan, said; “Being with Leicester City was good. Nice of them to come in and I enjoyed being in goal. I will be happy to see them again.”

Paul Gibson, health and wellbeing coach, Leicester City in the Community, said: “The whole idea of these sessions is to get the body and brain active through the medium of football and sport.

“Our sessions in care homes are about specially adapted sports activities for the body and mind, that anyone can take part in, whatever their level of mobility.

“Our first morning at Beaumont Hall went very well and I’m looking forward to coming back. Everyone was really friendly and there was lots of engagement.

Beaumont Hall is a purpose built luxury residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 60 ensuite bedrooms, it has landscaped gardens and a full and varied activities programme. It is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.