A BALL was had at a human-sized table football tournament in Stratford.
Residents at Ambleside care home laced up their boots and picked their favourite numbered shirts before going head-to-head in a series of inflatable football matches in the home’s garden.
Making sure everyone was match-ready and there was no foul play was former football player and resident at the care home, William Passell, known by friends as Bill. The 96 year-old played for Portsmouth FC between 1952 and 1955, and while his playing days may now be behind him, he took on the role of coach for the day, cheering teams on and offering plenty of sideline support as players took to the inflatable pitch.
During the matchday festivities, residents were joined by youngsters from Stratford Town Colts, alongside relatives and Ambleside team members for a tournament totalling 16 teams. The teams were also cheered on by town mayor Coun Sam McNaught Barrow.
Taking home the winning trophy was team Kitchen Cobras after scoring a controversial penalty in the last minute to win the game.
Stephanie Obeng, deputy manager at Ambleside, said: “We had a ball welcoming faces old and new for a fantastic day of football fun.
“As it always does, the beautiful game has a wonderful way of bringing people together and creating memories to last across the generations, and we were delighted to celebrate that sentiment with our event – and what better way than with an inflatable football match.”
