Local Youth Football Team Visits Oxford Manor Care Home, Sharing Stories and Inspiring Generations
12 August 2024
Oxford Manor Care Home was abuzz with excitement this past Saturday as the local Didcot Town Youth FC – Green Under 10 team paid a special visit to meet the residents. The visit, sponsored by Oxford Manor, was a heartwarming exchange of stories, advice, and football passion that bridged generations.
Among the residents, two football enthusiasts stood out: Tommy, a former player for the Scottish Hibernian FC, and Charlie, a local football manager in his younger days and a die-hard Arsenal supporter. Both men welcomed the young footballers with open arms and shared invaluable advice drawn from their rich experiences in the sport.
Tommy, reflecting on his time with Hibernian FC, captivated the boys with tales of his playing days, offering a piece of timeless advice: “Always keep training.” His words resonated with the young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their passion with dedication.
Charlie, whose love for football remains as strong as ever, advised the boys to “keep playing until the final whistle.” His management background and undying support for Arsenal provided the boys with a unique perspective on the game, inspiring them to persevere no matter the challenges.
Steven Drewitt, Head Coach of Didcot Town Youth FC – Green Under 10s, expressed his deep gratitude for the sponsorship from Oxford Manor Care Home, which ensures that the team can continue playing football for the next couple of years. Reflecting on the visit, Drewitt shared his appreciation:
“On behalf of all the team at Didcot Town Greens, we would like to thank Oxford Manor Care Home for giving us the most amazing welcome on Saturday. We were invited to the care home to meet a few of the staff and also some of the residents. In particular, we were welcomed into the sports room where we were introduced to three amazing people: Tommy, Charlie, and Lucy. We were lucky enough to sit down with Tommy and Charlie and listen to some brilliant stories from their past. My personal favourite was learning that Tommy played for Hibernian, and the boys were eager to ask for advice on what it takes to make it at the highest level. Charlie, who was a football manager when he was younger, shared his past experiences with managing a team. We would most definitely like to come and visit again for a catch-up.”
In a gesture of appreciation and lasting connection, the team plans to present Oxford Manor Care Home with a signed football shirt from all the boys, which will be framed and placed in the care home’s sports lounge. Additionally, the team will provide football tops for Tommy and Charlie and is planning a trip to a local match where the two residents can watch the boys in action.
The visit not only highlighted the power of community and intergenerational connections but also reinforced the importance of sharing and preserving memories through the universal language of football.
