Innovative partnership between AFC Bournemouth and Care South prompts football kick about

Care South has partnered with AFC Bournemouth and residents recently received a visit from The Cherries player, and ambassador for the new partnership, Marc Pugh.

The visit took place at Queensmead care home in Christchurch and residents and coaches from the Community Sports Trust participated in a game of armchair football.

Mr Pugh who has been at the club since joining in Summer 2010 spoke to the residents about the successful start that the team has had to the football season.

Head of the Community Sports Trust, Steve Cuss said: “It was clear to see that the residents were thrilled to meet Marc. He was happy to spend time chatting to them and showing them a few tricks. We couldn’t ask for a better ambassador for this partnership.”

The visit was initiated as a result of Care South’s partnership with AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust, which encourages staff and residents of care homes and home care service users to participate in activities where they can meet players, enjoy coffee mornings and become involved in walking football and stadium visits.

Chief executive at Care South, Susan Willoughby said: “It’s marvellous that such a high profile local footballer is the ambassador for this partnership!

“We were really impressed with the way that Marc, Steve Cuss and the trainee coaches that helped out with the activity took the time to talk to each of our residents and engage them in the activity. Having Marc as our player ambassador has helped provoke strong levels of interest in the work we are doing together and we are delighted to have his support.”

Care South is a registered charity and residential and home care service provider in the South of England. The not-for-profit organisation serves Dorset, north Devon, West Sussex and parts of Somerset offering care services for young people and older people who may require temporary or permanent care services.