As World Cup fever sweeps Jersey with fans looking forward to tonight’s semi-final clash between England and Croatia, Highlands Care Home decided to take part in a nationwide ‘Slipper Soccer’ competition.
The St Saviour home, run by the care group brighterkind, and teams from its 70 homes across the British Isles have all been taking part in a contest to see who can score the most penalties in ten minutes.
The five-person teams play slipper soccer, which uses a lighter ball than a conventional football.
Oldest on the Highlands team was 83-year-old Mr Le Bailly – who is almost 60 years older than 24-year-old forward Kane – and the youngest was 31-year-old Millie Barette.
Millie, who said she wanted to take part in the challenge as she has been enjoying watching the World Cup, added: ‘I’m excited about the England-Croatia match. I think England are going to do well.’
Teammate Richard Britton (46) added: ‘I like football so I wanted to join in.’
In total the team, which was also made up of Michelle Mandel (46) and Julie de la Haye (63), scored 32 goals within their allotted time.
Marieta Matinka, activity co-ordinator at the home, which provides nursing and residential care for people with learning disabilities as well as mental and physical health needs, said: ‘Maintaining an active lifestyle is important to promote mobility, flexibility, co-ordination and wellbeing. Getting people playing games together makes exercise more fun and adds a social element.’
